THE Women of Redditch group has raised £100 to help support victims of domestic abuse.

The vital cash, raised via a summer vintage tea party, will go toward Stonham, a group dedicated to helping people in Redditch move on from abusive relationships.

Domestic abuse is something that affects many residents across the town, statistically one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime.

The group carries out crucial work in Redditch to support these people including emergency accommodation, practical and emotional support and courses to identify ways of moving on from an abusive partner.

Labour's Parliamentary spokesman Rebecca Blake, part of Women of Redditch group, said: “Only last week I spoke to a man who's sister was a victim of domestic violence and was sadly killed by her partner.

“There will be other men and women who are vulnerable right now and who need help but do not know where to turn.

“I hope they will reach out for support because they do not have to live a life in fear.”

After Worcestershire County Council's decision to cut 50 per cent of funding for dealing with domestic violence over the next four years, from £819,000 to £416,000, Ms Blake has written to the authority urging it to reconsider such deep cuts.

She added that people's lives will be put at risk if services like Stonham ceased to exist.

For more information on domestic abuse or to speak to someone about it, call 0845 155 0395 or email worcesterreferral@homegroup.org.uk.