A VITAL service dealing with domestic abuse faces closure unless an 11th hour cash windfall can be found.

The women's outreach will fold on Monday, May 16, because of a funding crisis - money to run the service has already run out.

A spokeswoman, who did not want to be named, said the outreach service was a "lifeline" for Wyre Forest women and children who have suffered some form of domestic abuse.

"Without these services, more women and children will be forced to flee their homes, making themselves homeless and escalating the problem," she said.

The children's service provides support to youngsters aged five to 18 and an aftercare service for those who have lived at the refuge.

The refuge is separately funded, and is not at risk. With trust funding ending, the district women's refuge is desperate to attract new cash source to secure the service's future.

The news comes two weeks after the Worcester News reported on figures from the Worcester Women's Aid claiming 120 abused women had sought their help in the past 18 months.

Domestic violence towards women from ethnic minorities was described as having reached "shocking levels" and statistics revealed nearly 600 women in Worcester, Malvern Hills and Wychavon districts had reported domestic violence incidents to the police, between 2004 and 2005.

The Wyre Forest service needs £27,000 to carry on for the next 12 months. Applications to grant-giving bodies have so far failed as the service does not fit the criteria, or is prevented from applying for a second time. Other bodies are overloaded with applications.

The spokeswoman pointed out it was one of only a handful of similar services in the country, and it was the only one to help young children.

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