Their father was violent towards their mum, Keira*, in their family home. Sometimes their father locked them in their bedrooms whereas sometimes they were made to stay and watch. Nick was only 5 years old but his dad repeatedly hit him for dropping food on the floor.

His older brother Taylor, 8, was anxious and hyper vigilant after his dad forcefully kept him under the bath water as punishment. This was the final straw for Keira. She grabbed her sons’ coats and drove away for safety.

The family got a place that night at one of Hestia’s refuges and arrived with only a handful of belongings. After moving, Nick struggled to make friends at his new school. Taylor began displaying signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Hesita's Children and Family Workers supported them to attend family therapy.

This year, we want to be able to offer the same Summer Play Scheme to the children and mums living in our domestic abuse refuges right now - but we need your help. They're 100% funded by you, and we've still got £9,000 left to raise.

This week only, all of your donations will be doubled.

Together, let's make a difference to the lives of children affected by domestic abuse. We really appreciate all of your support.

*Names have been changed.

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