Worcester City Council’s Champion for Personal Safety and Civility, Cllr Sarah Murray, Liberal Democrat, has issued an urgent call to ensure continued funding for the DAWN Project, a critical lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse in South Worcestershire. The motion brought by Cllr Murray highlights the devastating consequences of losing this essential service, which is delivered by Worcester Community Trust and is the only face-to-face, community-based domestic abuse support available in the region.
In the past year alone, the DAWN Project directly supported 293 individuals and contributed to the safety of 449 children, helping them to rebuild lives free from abuse. However, the service faces an uncertain future as demand continues to outstrip resources.
Cllr Sarah Murray said “The DAWN Project is saving lives—quite literally. It provides survivors with hope and a way out when they feel trapped in abusive situations. If this service loses its funding, the consequences will be tragic. Women will die if we lose this service, many by their own hand because they cannot live with the abuse and feel they have no way to escape. Sadly, some will die at the hands of their abusers. This is unacceptable. I am calling on Public Health, the Ministry of Justice, and the Police and Crime Commissioner to step up and secure funding for this essential service. No one should have to choose between enduring abuse and losing their life.”
The motion also drew attention to the “postcode lottery” survivors face in accessing community-based domestic abuse support, as highlighted in the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s recent report, *A Patchwork of Provision*. It stressed the life-saving importance of local, face-to-face services like DAWN.
Jonathan Newey, Chief Executive of Worcester Community Trust who spoke at the City Council meeting in support of the motion, expressed gratitude for Cllr Murray’s efforts to champion the DAWN Project. ”We are grateful to Cllr Sarah Murray and Cllr Ed Kimberly for bringing this motion and for their commitment to keeping the subject of domestic abuse at the forefront of public attention. The DAWN Project has made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families in South Worcestershire. This service is not just important—it is vital. The funding challenges we face could undo over a decade of work, and we thank Sarah and Ed for standing with us to advocate for those who need our help the most.”
The Council passed the motion unanimously and has resolved to write to Public Health, the Ministry of Justice, the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, and Jess Phillips MP to commend the DAWN Project’s work and urge immediate action to secure its future.
