A Swindon charity which has supported thousands of victims and survivors of domestic abuse is marking its 50th anniversary with a major community fundraising challenge.
Society Without Abuse (SWA) – originally founded as Swindon Women’s Aid – opened the town’s first refuge on 25 August 1975. At the time, the Park North site was not only the first of its kind in Swindon, but among the first domestic abuse refuges in the country.
To mark the milestone, the charity has launched the ‘50 for 50 Challenge’, inviting the public to take on fundraising activities linked to the number 50 over a 50-day period, running until 15 October 2025.
Natasha Moyles, SWA’s Operations Manager, said the initiative is vital for raising funds to sustain and expand the charity’s work:
“It’s a great way for people to get involved and do something to help victims of domestic abuse in a lasting way. With one in four people predicted to experience domestic abuse at some point in their life, our prevention, education and early intervention work could improve thousands of lives here in Swindon.
Whether it’s baking and selling 50 cakes, hosting a dinner, or even running the Swindon Half Marathon, every effort will make a difference.”
SWA provides a wide range of services for women, men and children, from crisis support and safe accommodation to programmes tackling the root causes of domestic abuse.
The charity says even small fundraising efforts will contribute to a future where more families can live free from violence and fear.
For more information or to sign up for the challenge, visit www.givengain.com/campaign/support-society-without-abuse, email office@societywithoutabuse.org.uk, or find the charity on Facebook and Instagram at @SocietyWithoutAbuse.
If you need advice for yourself or someone else relating to domestic abuse, call Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
