Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

A bunch of us (Police officers and PCSO's) from Wells police station got together and came up with the crazy idea of scaring ourselves to death by parachuting out of an airplane for charity. None of us has any parachuting experience. Why? Well apart from it seeming like a good idea (at least at the time) I believe each us wants - in some small way - to make a contribution back to society. The event takes place on 15th May 2010

The charity we have chosen is 'Refuge' a domestic violence charity that provides accomodation for victims, places where people can go to escape violence, the fear of violence and somewhere to feel safe. We chose this charity as domestic abuse we all feel strongly about. A social issue we come into contact with almost daily in a professional capacity. We are aware other charities (Children in need, sport relief) receive national recognition through dedicated evenings of TV viewing and there is no doubt they are in their own right worthy causes, as are cancer charities. We felt this was an equally worthy cause that has an effect on whole families and perhaps does nort receive enough recognition.

Some facts

Though only a minority of incidents of domestic violence are reported to the police , the police still receive one call about domestic violence for every minute in the UK. Around 570,000 each year. Yet according to the British Crime Survey, less than 40% of domestic violence crime is reported to the police.

Though men do suffer from domestic abuse it is predominently womens who suffer. It is an issue that transcends social class boundaries, age group religion and ethnicity. In 2006 there were around 11,000 users of domestic abuse refuges'

Childer suffer significantly from living in a domestic abuse environment. It is thought in 40% - 70% of cases of domestic abuse, children would directly suffer. The harmful effects on normal child development is significant.

Domestic violence costs can be counted in billions each year. It impacts on NHS resources, mental health services as a result of suffering violence. Costs in housing, social work, policing, criminal justice and of course maintaining a place where sufferers can escape to. 

So please help us make a small contribution to this worthy cause by making your own small contribution. Dig deep and donate now.