Domestic violence charity under threat from lack of funding

A charity that helps victims of domestic violence may have to close due to a lack of funding.

Walk Tall warned today it would shut at the end of this year unless it was given more cash. This week campaigners revealed that on average two women are killed by their partners every week in England and Wales.

Ann Duke, chief executive of the charity, said: "We have been running a service for victims of domestic abuse for four years and it has been incredibly successful. We have worked with over 600 people. But government funding ran out two years ago and we have been relying on donations ever since. Funds are drying up and we are in grave danger."

The Kent-based charity offers victims counselling, lessons in communication and confidence building, and advice on where to go for help. It needs £15,000 a year to continue operating its domestic abuse service. Its services for young people will not be affected.

Mrs Duke said: "Domestic abuse is a huge problem. Alcohol and drug abuse contributes to it, as does the general level of stress in society."