Walsall domestic abuse charity folds after 'long and hard battle' to secure funding

The Walsall Domestic Violence Forum, which formed in 1992, will close tomorrow, with group leaders claiming a lack of money has forced the decision.

The news comes at a time when domestic violence in Walsall is increasing and the borough council are pledging to spend almost £900,000 on tackling forms of abuse.

Walsall North MP David Winnick has described the closure as 'devastating'.

In a statement the charity's co-ordinator, Sheri Rogers, explained: "From myself and the team at Walsall Domestic Violence Forum, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the tremendous support that you have given the Forum both personally and through your support for us on Facebook & Twitter.

"We have fought long and hard over many years to secure the necessary funds to continue our support services for victims of domestic violence.

"However, sadly we have now lost that battle.

"It has been a real honour to work with such an amazingly committed & passionate team of people within this wonderful charity.

"The Domestic Violence Forum has provided so much, to so many that have been affected by the heinous crime of domestic abuse."

The forum was created in 1992 and became a registered a registered charity in 2005.

It will continue to run a Facebook and Twitter page where those suffering from abuse can seek help, however the main office at Sneyd Hall Road, Bloxwich, will no longer operate.

Walsall MP David Winnick has made representations for the forum on 'numerous occasions' and described the news of the closure as 'devastating'.

He said: "This is devastating news. The forum, which I have of course always supported, has given invaluable support to victims of domestic violence and related matters. Time and again I have made strong representations to the council to commit funding and I shall do so again.

"The only people that will get any satisfaction from the closure of the forum are those who commit domestic violence."

As revealed at the start of this year, domestic violence in the borough has risen by nearly 50 per cent in the last five years.

West Midlands Police recorded 1,295 incidents in 2010/11, but by 2014/15 this had shot up to some 1,814.

Across the whole of the West Midlands region there has also been an increase in the figures. In 2010/11 there were 14,529 incidents but this had increased to over 17,600 last year.

Wolverhampton also saw an increase, where 1,587 incidents in 2010/11 had increased to 2,029 for 2014/15.