VICTIMS of domestic violence will be getting more support in Stourbridge thanks to a campaign led by a local abuse survivor.

Sam Billingham, of Quarry Bank, was physically and psychologically abuse for three years before finding the strength to leave her relationship in 2006.

In April 2009, after completing an eight week awareness course, Sam decided to set up an online support group, called Survivors of Domestic Abuse (SODA), as there was no other means of aftercare for Stourbridge victims.

But now, the 34-year-old is starting a campaign to expand the group and has already got a number of local organisations and one special celebrity to back her cause.

Sgt Andy Holder, from Stourbridge Police Station, Town Councillor Steve Clark, and the star of TV’s Benefits Street Dee Kelly – widely known as White Dee – joined Sam at SODA’s campaign launch on Tuesday (January 12).

Speaking to the News, Dee said: “When Sam told me what she was trying to do, and what women – and men – who have been domestically abused have to go through, I thought there was just no way that I could refuse to help.

“Domestic violence shouldn’t be happening, however people are too frightened and scared to speak out. But with Sam talking about the abuse she suffered, it shows people that it's good to get your story out as it will encourage and help others who are going through the same thing.”

Worcester News:

Dee Kelly (White Dee) and Sam Billingham are joined by Wayne Barker, Cllr Steve Clarke, Sgt Andy Holder, and Tesco’s Steve Clifton and Jayne Budd to launch the new SODA campaign

Sam’s work with SODA so far has been done on a voluntary basis, but she now hopes to work alongside agencies and professionals, as well as gaining funding from local businesses and Dudley Council.

Sam said: “Since starting the group I have dedicated all my time, experience and money to using social media to raise awareness and promote the support we offer online.

“As a single parent with a very limited income, a local company sponsoring SODA would allow continual and ongoing work.

“But this launch is also about expanding and reaching out to other agencies to see what they can do to help us reach a greater number of people.

“We’re starting off in Stourbridge initially, but we want to help as many victims of domestic abuse as possible. It will not be based on a postcode lottery, so whoever needs our help, whether they’re from Dudley, Sandwell or other areas, can get it.”

The campaign has got the backing of both West Midlands Police and Dudley Council, with Cllr Clark saying: “We know getting the group established is going to take money, and Sam has come to me to help secure some of the funding that is available from the council. This could be through the local community forum grants or other methods.

“It’s going to be a struggle, especially in the current financial climate, but as a Stourbridge councillor I am determined to make sure SODA is a success.”

To help raise awareness for the campaign, Stourbridge’s Tesco store will asking the town’s shoppers to donate vital items which can help a victim of domestic abuse when they take the first step of leaving their abuser.

Store manager Wayne Barker said: “We regularly help local causes, and our way of supporting Sam and SODA is to be a collection point for donated items which can help victims.

“One of the main issues encountered by victims once they have left their homes is that they don't have vital items, such as nappies, toothpaste, cleaning and sanitary products.

“We are encouraging the people of Stourbridge to buy these vital items, it doesn’t have to be from our store, it could be from Boots, Poundland, or anywhere in the town, and bring them to us where we will hold them for Sam to give out to those in need.”

For more information about SODA, or to contact Sam about being part of the campaign, visit survivorsofdomesticabuse.co.uk