Senior councillors shared their shock when the situation was raised at a budget meeting. And they promised to look into the decision that will lead to Rise being replaced by Victim Support and the social housing provider Stonewater. Rise has run refuge and helpline services in Brighton and Hove for the past 26 years. Domestic abuse survivors put together a website and started a petition which was signed by more than 20,000 people in just six days. Last week, councillors were told in a briefing that the bids to run the domestic violence and abuse support services were evaluated by officials from Brighton and Hove City Council as well as representatives of Sussex Police and the Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner.
Domestic violence charity sidelined by council for its women only policy
The council said: “It is our shared priority to end domestic abuse across the county and keep people safe.”
22 February 2021 • 6:00pm
The decision has divided local opinion
Credit: Dominic Lipinski /PA
A domestic violence charity was sidelined by a council after almost 30 years due to its “women only” policy.
RISE, an independent domestic abuse charity, has run refuge and helpline services in Brighton and Hove for the past 26 years.
However, after the local council commissioned an Equalities impact assessments (EIA) for the redesign of its services, it decided to terminate its £5 million contract.
A high school principal who cared about music and sports. A state lawyer who wrote to numerous world leaders. A preschool teacher who organized regional Girl Scout cookie sales.
Protestors carrying a banner for Rise during a previous demonstration SURVIVORS of domestic violence have been left devastated after a charity that has helped vulnerable people for more than 25 years lost a £5 million contract. A petition has been started after Rise lost its contract with Brighton and Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council and the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner during a retendering process. Within 24 hours of the petition being launched on Saturday, it had received more than 2,500 signatures, enough to secure a debate at a meeting of the full council in Brighton and Hove - with the leader of the council also pledging to meet with the charity.
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