A CHARITY that provides safety and protection to victims of domestic violence across Cumbria has received a vital "lifeline".

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The Let Go Domestic Violence Service works with people across Cumbria and North Lancashire by offering a helping hand to people who are trapped in abusive relationships.

Specially trained advisers work with victims to help them break away from the abuse and escape to a place of safety.

The Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund has donated £1,000 to the cause, which will help the charity provide victims with money, transport and mobile phones to allow them start a new life. 

Each month the fund teams up with the Evening Mail to donate £1,000 to worthy causes.

Kim Taylor, an independent domestic violence adviser for the Let Go Domestic Violence Service, says the donation is a huge help. 

She said: "It's a lifeline. It's the difference between keeping somebody in a situation of violence or moving them out of it.

"We have a lot of issues with people not being able to get to a place of safety or find any transport. Some people leave their homes with literally nothing so being able to provide the train fare for people to get to a place of safety is paramount."

Miss Taylor has been working with the organisation for the past four years after escaping from an abusive relationship herself.

She said: "I went through it all myself so I want to show people that there is life afterwards.

"When you're in that situation you lose confidence and don't feel as though there is a way out but even just by talking to people you can see that there is life after abuse. 

"We don't have to involve the police and you don't have to give us your name."

Domestic abuse is alive and kicking in every corner of the UK, but Miss Taylor believes Cumbria is a particular hotspot. 

She said: "People can be abused about 33 times on average before they report it.

"It's really bad in this area - maybe because people losing jobs and not finding employment can put serious strain on relationships. 

"Drugs and alcohol abuse can also lead to it - and mental health issues."

As we welcome in the new year and wave goodbye to another Christmas, Miss Taylor is urging people to make a fresh start and get in touch this January. 

She said: "Christmas can be bad because people go out to Christmas parties or drink more at home. 

"There can also be tensions in families if they don't get on with their partner's families and that puts strain on them. 

"We want to remind people that next Christmas could be much better if they give us a call."

She added: "It is very scary and it can be scary wondering how you are going to manage without that person in your life but you can manage and there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

"It's not better at first. It's difficult and a long journey but once you realise that what someone has put you through is wrong it gets so much better."