A Dorset law firm has given a helping hand to a charity so it can provide more vital support for domestic abuse victims.
Battens Solicitors, through its charitable trust, has donated £500 to You First Dorset in Poundbury, Dorchester.
The charity, which is part of the You Trust, provides free and discreet support, advice and refuge to victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Dorset whether they are women or men.
Battens’ Family Team and You First Dorset work together closely to assist vulnerable people experiencing domestic abuse.
Battens have also assisted with fundraising efforts and the Battens Charitable Trust has supported You First’s annual ball.
Cherise Luke-Bennett, Senior Solicitor in Battens Solicitors Family Team, said: “The work the You First Dorset does with domestic abuse victims is incredibly important.”
“I hope the donation will enable the trust to get more people the help they so desperately need. We’ll continue to support You First Dorset as much as we can.”
According to You First, one in four women, one in six men and one in three from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities will experience domestic abuse or violence at some point in their lifetime.
You First Dorset Manager Katie O’Connell said: “Our deepest thanks go to Battens Charitable Trust.”
“Our services are very much in demand and we rely on supporters such as Battens to help us give victims and survivors of domestic violence the very best chance of building a new life for themselves.”
“All donations You First receives are used to ensure we are able to offer a person-centred service based on the requirements of each individual. This may include transport costs to escape safely to a refuge, support for court or food vouchers.”
“We really appreciate Battens support for You First and the people we work with.”
Battens, which has offices in Yeovil, Sherborne, Weymouth, Dorchester and London, set up its charitable trust in 1985 to support community initiatives, local charities and other causes.
Cherise is a member of the Resolution association of family lawyers and an accredited specialist in finances and domestic violence. She is also a Law Society Family Law Panel member and a mediator.
Contact You First at or call its free helpline on 0800 032 5204.
For more information about Battens, call 01935 846000 or 01305 250560.
