A DOMESTIC violence awareness day is to take place in Poole on Saturday, November 25.

The event, hosted by the Safer Poole Partnership, BCHA, Soroptimist International, Poole, Dorset Police and Borough of Poole, will raise funds for victims. Visitors will also be invited to bring Christmas gift donations for those affected.

Admission is free, and there will be a range of things to do in Falkland Square between 9am and 4pm, including a bouncy castle, a tombola, stalls, glitter tattoos and live entertainment from the Sound of Soul choir and a DJ.

Police officers will bring along a marked car for visitors to see.

Rhianon Greenslade from the Safer Poole Partnership said: “It's wonderful to have so many different organisations come together to make this event possible.

"It just demonstrates the real passion in our community to tackle domestic abuse and raise awareness.

"Our special thanks go to the various local businesses giving up their time and services for free.

"We hope to make this an annual event in Poole to help domestic abuse service users have a little more at Christmastime each year.”

Shoppers who want to buy presents for victims of domestic violence can leave them under a tree provided by the Delfino Lounge cafe.

Rhiannon said all donations - such as a Christmas pudding, chocolate coins or toiletries - will be given to a family in need.

All money raised on the day will be split between domestic abuse support services, including the BCHA Women’s Refuge and Dorset Rape Crisis.

Laura Argent, project leader of BCHA's Poole Domestic Abuse Project, said: “We are delighted that Safer Poole Partnership is supporting BCHA, and in particular our Poole refuge, through this event.

"Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

"When women get into the refuge their priority is their children and focusing on rebuilding that relationship, and it can be difficult for them to make time for themselves let alone think about planning for Christmas.

"Through people’s generosity, we can help provide some joy through small gifts and support them through the festive period in the knowledge that this year they are safe and not living with fear, intimidation and violence.”