How your money will help to provide victims with escape from abuse

Kerri McAuley alongside her mother Lesley. Picture: courtesy of McAuley family (Image: courtesy of McAuley family)

Those thinking about fleeing physical or mental abuse at the hands of partners very often do so with nothing but the clothes on their back which is why it is so vital that they have somewhere to go.

Leeway are offering victims this lifeline, having just opened a sixth refuge in Norfolk and Waveney, but need our help to transform that safe house into a home.

Mandy Proctor, chief executive of the domestic abuse charity, said raising funds for Kerri's Campaign would make a 'huge difference' to domestic violence victims.

She said: 'Raising funds towards this project will be a massive help to Leeway and it will help to create a safe, homely environment for those fleeing domestic abuse.

Picture of Kerri McAuley. Submitted by Kerri's family. (Image: Archant)

'The money that the readers donate will help to change the lives of many women and children, helping them on the first steps of their new life, free from domestic abuse.

'What we would like to do is redecorate and refurbish the new refuge with pots, pans, all equipment, curtains and things like that and to make it a really lovely, warm, cosy environment for women to live in, especially when they've left, that's quite a difficult time.'

Ms Proctor said it could not be underestimated just how important kitting out the refuge was.

She said: 'If you've left your home and left all your belongings behind all your furnishings, your furniture and your family, you do at least want to be somewhere where you feel safe but also that's a nice place to live in, where you're comfortable.

'We offer support, we work with the women and help them move on and make positive life choices but yes this will be a real bonus somewhere really pleasant to be in when they're fleeing domestic violence.'

Kerri's Campaign

We have vowed to raise £10,000 to try and ensure a new Leeway refuge can be kitted out in memory of Norwich woman Kerri McAuley who was murdered by her former partner.

Kerri, 32, suffered 19 separate injuries to her head and face following a 'sustained and brutal' attack by serial abuser Joe Storey who then left her to die alone in her Norwich home in January this year.

Kerri's family - including mother Lesley - have given their support to the campaign and said the mother of two would have been proud of it.

To donate visit the Kerri's Campaign JustGiving page or alternatively send cheques, made payable to Archant Community Media Ltd, to Sandra Mackay at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE.

Alternatively, those wanting to donate can send cheques, made payable to Archant Community Media Ltd, to Sandra Mackay at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE.

What will your money buy?

Some of the items your money will help fund includes:

• Microwaves

• Toasters & kettle sets

• Cutlery

• Saucepan sets, pans and roasting tins

• Mixing bowls and measuring jugs

• Cooking utensils

• Crockery sets and glasses

• Oven gloves and tea towels

• Curtains/blinds and pole

• Television stand

• Lamps

• Cushions and covers

• Fitted sheets, duvets and pillows

• Fold up cots and fold up camp bed

• Towels

• Soap dishes and toothbrush holders

• Toilet roll holders and toilet seats

• Toilet/shower mats

• Redecoration of property

• Vacuum cleaners

• Cleaning accessories

• Starter packs for when women and children arrive, giving them basic food items such as milk, bread, cereal, and also toiletries.