Home is where the heart harm is
1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse within their lifetime. Discover how we’ve demonstrated that women in abusive situations can access safe, confidential financial support - within just 48 hours - through distributing funding and public donations.
In partnership with:
In 2024, during the Men’s Euro 2024 campaign, the National Benevolent Charity launched a pilot Crowdfunder project aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse. The goal was to demonstrate that emergency financial aid of £200, could be delivered safely and confidentially within 48 hours via ATM Cashpoints across the UK, with no need for a bank card or app.
The Crowdfunder appeal was backed by British Airways and other campaign partners, offering match funding of up to £12,000. The public responded with powerful support, raising a total of £29,909 in just 30 days.
This saw 136 people in domestic abuse situations supported to either flee difficult situations or to help them in rebuilding their lives.
All the details of the steps undertaken and the impact of the pilot programme.
Find out more about the donations and see how the doubling and trebling of donations with match funding made a huge impact.
Philippa Forrester caught up with Ali Russell from the National Benevolent Fund to talk through the campaign.
The pilot programme proved to be a great success with each cash grant representing a vital step towards empowerment for survivors, offering them the means to escape dangerous situations and rebuild their lives. The success of this appeal underscores the power of community-driven initiatives and their impact on vulnerable populations.
Although the initial fund has been fully allocated, the journey continues. The National Benevolent Charity is calling on philanthropists, companies, and compassionate individuals to support this cause to sustain progress.
Additional funding contributions to create match funding opportunities are crucial to extend the reach of this life-saving programme, ensuring more individuals can access the financial aid they desperately need.
“It has helped beyond words. Fleeing domestic violience puts you in a very awful and difficult situation not just with the abuse but having to start a fresh with nothing, especially with 2 children under the age of 3. I can’t thank this charity enough for what they have done!”
- Grant Recipient
Ali Russell, CEO National Benevolent Charity
“Using this innovative approach, every penny donated has already been sent directly to women and men who have suffered at the hands of their abuser. The amount may be small but the impact is huge and the need is massive, anyone that can help should know that you are changing someone’s life forever”
Simon Deverell, co-CEO Crowdfunder
“We’re thrilled to see our partner British Airways pledge £5,000 to match donations from the crowd, along with the invaluable support from all our partners and Crowdfunder for this critical campaign. To keep making a real impact on people’s lives, we urgently need more companies and grant providers to join us in showing their commitment to tackling domestic abuse in the UK.”