Over 14,000 people supported by South West domestic abuse and sexual violence charity
First Light have released their Impact Report for 2022-2023
A South West charity that support people who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence have seen an increase in demand for their services.
First Light have revealed their latest Impact Report, looking from the 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023.
During that time, they have supported over 14,000 people, which is a 15% increase on the previous year.
CEO Lyn Gooding said: "It never ceases to amaze me the resilience of people to overcome adversity.
"I am immensely proud of everyone who works, volunteers and supports the work of First Light, who have strived together in an effort to improve the lives of all those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.
"2022/23 was an exciting but challenging year, in which we saw First Light grow from a South West-based charity, to securing our first national service.
"We have secured the new Safe Spaces Service, supporting adult victims of church-related abuse within the Church of England, the Catholic Church of England and Wales, and the Church of Wales.
"Last year, as we saw life return to near normal following what seemed like a never ending COVID pandemic, we continued to experience an ever increasing demand for help across all our services, which last year saw us support over 14,000 people of all ages and genders, providing help and support to help them cope and recover from the trauma of abuse.
"This was only possible due to the skills, expertise, dedication and compassion of our paid staff, volunteers and partners, who worked together to alleviate the suffering of children and adults, helping them lead healthier, happier lives."
Key highlights from First Light's 2022/23 Impact Report:
- 14,002 people supported across all services - a 15% increase from 2022
- 2,610 people supported by First Light's Devon and Cornwall Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) Service
- 729 children, young people and adults were referred to Sexual Violence Counselling, with an acceptance rate of 94%
- Their Safer Futures helpline handled 17,195 calls
- 319 people were supported at Swindon SARC
- Safe Spaces has been in contact with 1,382 clients via phone, video calls, texts and emails, with 63 referrals into the service since taking over on 9 January 2023
The charity say the figures not only reflect the efforts of their teams, but also a call to action.
They say it underlines the "pressing need" for expanded services to meet the increasing demand from those who have experienced sexual abuse or assault.