Safenet marks half a century supporting survivors of domestic abuse, making lives safer and stronger
This year, Safenet is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of providing specialist support to adults, children and families affected by domestic abuse across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
Since our beginnings in 1976, Safenet has grown from a small local refuge into a leading domestic abuse charity, supporting thousands of survivors to find safety, recover from trauma and rebuild their lives free from abuse. Through refuge accommodation, community-based support, outreach services, prevention work and programmes for children and young people, Safenet has remained committed to putting survivors at the heart of everything it does.
This milestone anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise the dedication of staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters, both past and present, whose passion and commitment have helped transform countless lives over the last five decades.
Throughout the year we have been hosting a series of events and activities to recognise and celebrate our achievements, share survivor stories, honour our history and look ahead to the future of domestic abuse support.
One of the celebration events took place on Friday 11 September at the Life Church in Burnley, which saw keynote speaker Rachel Horman-Brown KC (Hon) discuss Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control. We also heard from a number of Safenet supporters as well as survivor voices, and a marketplace was open to show off the incredible work that goes on across Safenet refuges from staff and survivors alike.
Helen Gauder, Director of Safenet, said:
“Reaching our 50th anniversary is a remarkable milestone and one that fills us with immense pride. For five decades, Safenet has stood alongside survivors of domestic abuse, providing safety, support and hope when it is needed most.
This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the impact made by generations of staff, volunteers, trustees and partners, while recognising the courage of the survivors we have had the privilege to support. As we reflect on our journey, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone affected by domestic abuse can access the specialist support they need to live free from fear and harm.”
As Safenet celebrates 50 years of service, we continue to advocate for survivors and work collaboratively with local and national partners to create safer communities and brighter futures for those affected by domestic abuse.
For more information about Safenet’s 50th anniversary celebrations, visit www.safenet.org.uk or follow Safenet on our social media, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.