FUNDING cuts could put more victims of domestic violence at risk, women’s refuge Fortalice has warned.

Fewer women are returning to their abusive partners after leaving Fortalice than they did three years ago because of the success of the charity’s efforts.

work carried out at the Bolton refuge has ensured the number leaving and returning to their violent partners has halved to just five per cent since 2008.

But director of services Gill Smallwood said the funding deficit means alternative financing must be found — as without it there are fears that figure could rise.

She added: “Unfortunately the reduction of funding means we have to look at alternative ways of working to ensure we can continue to work effectively with women and children long-term.”

Fortalice, a registered charity, is funded from a variety of sources, including Bolton Council, donations from individuals or groups, Lottery funding and self-generated funding from rent from the flats occupied by the victims.

Mrs Smallwood said it was difficult to assess the total loss of funding at this time, but she was determined the women would not suffer.

She said while some of the one-to-one sessions with children at the refuge had been cut, she hoped to find alternative sources of funding to support the work.

Restructuring had led to the loss of two workers at the refuge, but both have returned in a voluntary capacity, said Mrs Smallwood.

She added: “All staff are going the extra mile to cover all aspects of the service.”

Some of the therapeutic work carried out with residents at weekends has also been cut.

Mrs Smallwood is hoping volunteers can be found to help fill some of the gaps and has enlisted the help of The Soroptimists, who are keen to help take residents to appointments, including court appearances, which frees up staff to do work at the refuge.

And she is appealing for more volunteers to help. Mrs Smallwood said: “We work to break the cycle of abuse and help women find the confidence to move on with their lives.”

Fortalice also runs a support centre helping women and children in the community.

● Anyone wanting to help Fortalice should go to fortalice.org.uk