A DOMESTIC abuse charity is preparing for a ‘surge’ in demand for its services in the run up to Christmas.

Springfield’s community hub manager Julie Oram said that referrals soared after the first lockdown and that they have seen the highest numbers of those needing help since the service began.

“Lockdown is an especially difficult time for Springfield, and we have now noticed that our referrals have dramatically reduced during both lockdowns,” she said.

“We suspect this correlation is due to our clients being unable to have the privacy and safe space to be able to access support.

“After the last lockdown we noticed a large spike in demand, and we have seen the highest numbers since the service began.

“The increase we noticed coincided with lockdown restrictions easing, so we are fully anticipating another surge before Christmas.”

The Kendal-based charity is using 16 days of action, beginning from White Ribbon Day on November 25, to raise awareness of their services, and create alternative ways for those affected to get support.

The White Ribbon Campaign was founded by men in Canada in 1981 and recognises the role that men can play in changing society’s attitude towards violence against women.

White Ribbon Ambassadors are male volunteers who engage with other men and boys to call out abusive and sexist behaviour and promote a culture of equality and respect.

Springfield will therefore be holding an online event on November 30, from 2-3pm, to encourage hairdressers and beauty therapists to take part in awareness training, which will be carried out for free.

Springfield domestic abuse community services will host the session, where practitioners will discuss how health and beauty professionals can give advice and where to signpost customers who they know are affected by domestic abuse.

“By supporting hairdressers and beauty therapists to recognise indicators and signs of abuse, they can hopefully pass our details so specialist support can be accessed,” said Ms Oram.

“One in three women suffer some form of domestic abuse and on average each victim is subjected to 35 incidents before anything is disclosed to a family member or friend.”

You can book your place by contacting cs@springfieldsupport.org