An anti-domestic violence charity has had its first annual meeting in Dover district since starting work there.

Oasis Domestic Abuse Service has been operating in Thanet for 24 years and expanded last year.

Now its held its meeting on Wednesday, November 21, at The Ark community centre in Noahs Ark Road, Dover.

The group now has a refuge in the area for women and children forced to flee their own homes.

It extended from Thanet after it was awarded a contract by Kent County Council in April 2017.

This was after the county had its boundaries redrawn for domestic abuse services with Dover and Thanet coming under a new East Kent area.

Chief executive Deborah Cartwright said: "We are committed to building a range of services for those affected by domestic abuse in Dover, not only in refuge but in the community and not only for adults but also for children and young people.

"Our early intervention and prevention team is already working in Dover schools and our message to anyone affected by domestic abuse is that there is help available.”

Also at the meeting was Kathryn Smallwood, former High Sheriff of Kent and Shaun Taylor, manager of Dover’s Community Safety Unit.

He said: "Dover District Council and the Community Safety Partnership are pleased to be working alongside Oasis with their many years of experience in tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims.

" Domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime, often hidden in our communities that damages individuals and their families.

"By working together we aim to tackle the root causes, support victims, protect children, prevent repeat incidents and improve peoples’ lives in the Dover district."

Oasis, which helps man, woman and child victims, depends on donations so wants people to help in fundraising events.

.This year it has offered direct one to one support to 253 children and delivered educational workshops to a further 1,210 children.

Most of this has been in Thanet but the group is striving to provide more help in Dover.

Oasis was founded in May 1994 and offers both emergency, safe and temporary accommodation for victims and ongoing support

The charity explains that two women are murdered every week in the UK by their partner or ex-partner.

It also helps children and young people both in their refuges and in the wider community.

It has a boutique charity store, The Oasis Shop, in Northdown Road, Margate.

For more information contact: loukia.michael@oasisdaservice.org

To help in fundriasing email undraise@oasisdaservice.org

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