A PROJECT aimed at tackling domestic violence has hit the jackpot after scooping a huge grant from the National Lottery.

The Warrington Domestic Violence Forum has been granted almost £100,000 from the Lottery's Charities' Board to fund its work over the next three years.

The Forum provides help and support for women and children who have experienced violence in the home.

Debbie (we've changed her name to protect her identity) suffered horrendous violence at the hands of an alcoholic partner for two years.

After being stabbed, beaten unconscious and almost drowned during that time, the 37-year-old managed to escape to Warrington from her Manchester hell.

She had stayed in the city to care for her sick mother, but despite moving five times to escape the abuse, she couldn't escape from her tormentor.

"At first the man I met was the perfect gentleman in every way, but I found out that he was an alcoholic and things started to go horribly wrong.

"On the first occasion he smashed up the house and then stabbed me in the back, breaking two of my ribs. That was just the beginning," she said.

It was only the death of her mother that allowed her to break free and move to be with her family in Warrington, although she had to leave her children behind to begin with.

After seeking advice from specialists in the town and the help of her family, Debbie is now living a normal life. She has been reunited with her three children and has got a house and a job.

"People see you with a black eye and say 'You must be an idiot to put up with it'. You know you're an idiot but what you need is a positive approach and that's what I found in Warrington.

"I managed to get a job, and although I was like a robot at first, my confidence gradually came back and that's what you need. Now I go and treat myself to a hair cut and say 'Yes, I deserve this!'.

"Even if a person can't move out they should phone domestic violence organisations because they can and do help. It's a vital step to breaking free," she said.

The lottery cash will help the Forum to fund a new co-ordinator to provide support and advice for many of the town's agencies and companies about how to tackle domestic violence issues.

Volunteers will also be recruited to work with people like Debbie who have been victims to provide advice and support.

Steven Broomhead, the council's chief executive, said: "The money will allow the Forum to move on from being a talking shop to all out action stations, which is great news."

If you need confidential advice contact the Forum on 442197 or Warrington police's Domestic Violence Unit on 01244 613 863

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