'Surviving 40 years as a charity has been no easy task'

A charity which supports survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence says every year is a challenge when it comes to funding.

Black Country Women's Aid started around a small kitchen table with women in Sandwell.

It has now grown into a multi-service organisation and is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Chief executive Sara Ward said: "Every year you're living hand-to-mouth as to whether you are going to survive."

The independent charity helps around 13,000 victims every year to escape from violence, cope with trauma and rebuild their lives.

It provides a range of services from emergency accommodation, safe houses for victims of modern slavery and therapeutic services.

They also have a service for male victims of violence and abuse.

Ward says they were "inspired every year by the people who need us, so it is important we keep on sending that message to those that fund us or support us that actually money does make a difference".

She has been chief executive for 26 of the 40 years.

"Over the 40 years, the victim voice and knowing what victims need has made a great influence on the way that we are today," she added.

She said people's needs were the same as 40 years ago but social media was changing things.

"Once it is out there, it's out there, and [perpetrators] can say anything they want, whether it is true or not.

"They can dock images of somebody - they can cause unbelievable damage to a person.

"The challenge is that people are believing what is written so you have no way of pulling it back to sort of say this is not what has happened."

To mark the anniversary, MP Catherine Atkinson, minister for victims and tackling violence against women and girls, paid them a visit.

The Labour MP for Derby North was appointed in the role on 12 May and this marked her first visit in post.

"It has been an incredible visit here at Black Country Women's Aid, being able to hear directly from victims and survivors has been incredibly powerful," she said.

"To meet some of the staff here who have been supporting victims for 40 years - it's incredible how they have evolved to be able to to meet the needs of those that they have been working with for so long."

Atkinson said it was "absolutely essential to be able to be that face, not just to provide a place of safety, but really practical support".