RISE, Brighton’s domestic abuse charity, is pulling out all the stops to hold its annual signature fundraising event: its 8K Undercliff Run for Women.
The race, taking place on Sunday 3rd October from Saltdean to Brighton Marina and back has 500 places available at £25 and is expected to sell out ahead of the closing date on 23rd September. The charity aims to raise £25,000 to support domestic abuse services in Brighton & Hove
The organisation has consistently received over three times the number of calls to its helpline than before lockdown.
Marcella James, a service user of RISE, said:
I suffered horrendous abuse and violence at the hands of my perpetrator and spent the first half of lockdown in a refuge. Without RISE I wouldn’t be here today, so it’s brilliant news that the 8K Undercliff Run for Women is going ahead this year, to raise money for their vital service.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been increased demand for domestic abuse victim services, especially use of helpline services while other vital help and support has been impossible to access, such as the ability to leave the home or attend counselling.
A report published by the Office for National Statistics* shone a spotlight on domestic abuse and how it surged during lockdown.
Although there was a marked increase of reported abuse cases over the course of lockdown, this also follows a gradual increase in domestic abuse-related offences over recent years, illustrating how vital services for survivors continue to be.
RISE stands for refuge, information, support and education and in 2019, the charity provided refuge to 90 people – 53 adults and 37 children. RISE services include advocacy, helpline, counselling, support groups, legal and housing advice and children’s services. RISE’s LGBTQ+ service for survivors of domestic abuse was the first in England.
Photo: Rise