At a time when many people are celebrating Christmas, for families experiencing domestic abuse the fear, tension and violence will increase.
The added pressure of more time together, more alcohol consumption, family demands and financial worries – especially with the cost-of-living crisis – can all make abusive behaviours worse.
Isolation and uncertainty also increase at a time when ‘safe’ places are closed – such as schools, toddler groups and nurseries.
This Christmas, Oasis Domestic Abuse Service is urging the community to join their Christmas Appeal– a vital initiative aimed at bringing more safety, more hope and more joy to families escaping and recovering from domestic abuse in Kent and Medway.
Every year the demand on Oasis’s services increase – especially for children and young people.
This year is no different and families will be turning to the charity as their last hope.
Charlie was just seven when he arrived at the Oasis refuge in Margate with his mum. They had nothing but the clothes on their backs when they got off the train.
Charlie and his mum found safety and security at Oasis, where they had the support of a team who worked tirelessly to help them overcome the trauma they’d experienced and begin to rebuild their lives.
That Christmas, Charlie was surrounded by people he trusted. He wasn’t scared or nervous. Instead, he had the time of his life, playing festive games with Oasis support workers, meeting Santa in the Oasis grotto and eating pigs in blankets. He was also able to open a present with his name on it.
After years of violence and fear, Charlie’s mum described Christmas in the refuge as ‘heaven.’ “I’ll always remember that Christmas,” she added.
The money raised from Oasis’ Christmas Appeal will fund the essential services such as emergency accommodation, mentoring, counselling, and community outreach to help adults and children to address the impact of their experiences and to educate and inform about the cycle of abuse.
Every contribution to the appeal, no matter the size, creates ripples of positive change.
Claire Williams, Oasis’s CEO said: “Your support is vital to ensure that Oasis can continue its critical work in 2025. With 70% of individuals in our refuges being children – all of whom have witnessed domestic abuse and many of whom will have suffered it themselves – the need for dedicated, compassionate support is paramount.
“No one should have ‘living free from abuse’ on a wish list – it should be reality. A community of support is needed now more than ever. Any donation, large or small, will go a long way to make a life- changing difference for these families. Together, let’s make this Christmas a season of hope and empowerment for survivors of domestic abuse in Kent and Medway.”
