The news
In the 20 years since the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline (HDAH) was established as a charity, they have helped more than 40,000 people in Hertfordshire. The Helpline is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse.
In 2023, their helpline received 2,500 calls, meaning approximately 200 people are accessing their services each month from across Hertfordshire. As well as supporting around 2,500 callers a year plus many more through their website and email service, the Helpline works in partnership with countywide statutory, voluntary and community organisations which, together, all aim to improve the lives of anyone affected by domestic abuse as well as those seeking help to change their behaviour.
The COSARAF Foundation have renewed support for HDAH with a grant of £3,600 to pay the annual cost for their telephone operating system, providing a safe, anonymous service for all callers and data analysis to support the charity in assessing and evaluating need.
Some of the feedback from callers…
The lady thanked me for answering her call and listening to her. She was so grateful to us for providing this service.
She said I was extremely helpful and wanted to thank our charity for the great support and invaluable services we provide.
He was just grateful that he was listened to and that we offered help for men by providing numbers to call so that he could start to plan moving on.
The caller sounded calmer and more motivated towards the end of the call. I was thanked deeply for my support.
The caller said she was extremely grateful for the advice and seemed reassured about how she could assist her client who was a victim of domestic abuse.