Lincolnshire-based Ending Domestic Abuse Now (Edan) has helped 13,000 survivors in the last year alone

A charity which has helped 13,000 domestic abuse survivors in the past year alone is fighting to stop the crime.

Lincolnshire-based charity Ending Domestic Abuse Now (Edan) was set up 24 years ago under the name West Lindsey Women’s Aid – but it has since expanded to cover the whole of the county with a bold mission.

“Our vision is the end of domestic abuse,” said Anna Davis, fundraising and communciations coordinator for Edan Lincs.

“What we hope to see is cases go down and for people to be empowered.

“A lot of the time people experiencing domestic abuse can’t get out.”

In changing its name, the charity also recognised that the name should also reflect the fact domestic abuse is not gender exclusive.

Anna said: “We know men are affected.

“It is not a gender specific crime yet still domestic abuse is considered the battered wives’ club. That is not the case.

“It can happen in any situation.”

One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime with more than half subjected to repeat victimisation, according to national statistics recorded pre-pandemic.

One in six men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, with more than 750,000 children victims each year.

Having seen a rise in cases post-pandemic Anna believes the numbers are likely to be higher.

Domestic abuse includes physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse and psychological and emotional abuse between people who are personally connected such as relatives or spouses.

Anna said: “Every time I do a presentation about it people are surprised to think it is not just domestic violence.

“A lot of the time it is emotional and coercive control.”

The charity has seen a rise in economic abuse as well as those too fearful to leave an abusive relationship due money worries.

Edan Lincs offers more than 20 emergency accommodation units at undisclosed locations across the county, allowing people a safe place to flee to.

The charity also offers a support hub and helpline, recovery support, online advice and proactive early interventions.

“Once people reach us they are no longer victims but instead survivors,” said Anna.

“They may not be thriving as of yet but they will get there.”

She added that often victims blame themselves and stay in abusive relationships.

Between 2022 and 2023 Edan Lincs helped more than 13,000 people in the county.

Many of the survivors have been supported by charity’s freedom fund which helps provide emergency transport costs, provision to change locks and add security measures like video doorbells, food supplies and support to rebuild their life. A JustGiving page has been set up: https://buff.ly/3NpPhxO.

The first domestic abuse champions were appointed last month who will be the charity’s ‘eyes and ears’ in the community.

They may be professionals, business owners, survivors or members of the public and will raise awareness of domestic abuse and identify and signpost people to get the help they need.

“We are very excited to have them, many other charities don’t have anything like this,” said Anna.

The new champions join Edan Lincs’ 60 staff members and 10 volunteers.

Anyone affected by domestic abuse or who wants to find out more about the help, advice and support available can contact the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service helpline on 01522 510041, and select option two.