A GROUP which offers support to East Hampshire victims of domestic abuse has launched a £1m campaign to rebuild more lives.

The refuge that the Southern Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) wants to buy and staff could be the difference between life and death according to supporters.

The Havant-based charity provided services and support to 2,270 victims and a further 7,575 children from the greater Portsmouth, East Hampshire and Rushmoor areas in 2015.

It’s an even grimmer story nationally as around 1.4 million women were victims of domestic abuse last year, with two females being killed by their partners or former partners every week.

The SDAS refuge will be a safe house where victims of domestic abuse can stay with their children until they are confident and safe enough to move on.

A ‘Buy a Brick’ appeal is central to their campaign as bronze, silver and gold varieties can be ‘bought’ in return for a £25, £100 or £1,000 donation, respectively.

“Refuges are more than just a roof over a head, as they protect and save lives,” said Claire Lambon, chief executive of SDAS at the campaign launch last Thursday.

“It’s crucial we own our own refuge so we can protect woman in the area from perpetrators.

“That’s why we’re launching our buy a brick campaign. We want people to support this ambitious plan.”

The Mayor of Havant, Cllr Faith Ponsonby, called the SDAS an “essential service” and hopes the refuge will be open next year as the charity will be 40 years old.

“I think it should be called Ruby House when it opens,” said the mayor, who proposed a toast to SDAS after urging supporters to think of the children.

She added: “People sometimes forget that in an abusive situation it’s the children who also frequently suffer. They learn violence and that is what can sometimes carry on because they think it’s the way to behave.”

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds was the first person to buy a silver brick while legendary yachtswoman Tracey Edwards was also an early supporter.

She said: “SDAS have always been incredibly dedicated and forward thinking and their ambition to buy a refuge to help secure the provision of this invaluable service in Hampshire is proof of this.”

To buy a brick and for more details visit www.southerndas.org or e-mail: donations@southern das.org