VICTIMS of domestic abuse can now seek help in the evening.

Southend’s Dove Centre, run by SOS Domestic Abuse Projects, is open every Tuesday evening from 6pm until 8pm to help women who cannot contact it during office hours.

The evening team all have their own full-time jobs and were unable to volunteer during the centre’s daytime opening hours.

So, after work on Tuesday each week, the four volunteers turn up at the Dove Centre to offer their support.

Sarah Swain, crisis service manager for the Dove Centre, said the organisation was glad to get them on board.

She said: “They already had a wealth of knowledge and professional skills we knew we could utilise and the idea of extending our opening hours seemed the perfect solution.

“We want women to be able to access help and information as quickly and as easily as possible.

“Expedient assistance is key to a positive outcome for victims of domestic abuse.

“SOS Domestic Abuse Projects believes delaying intervention could increase the risk for anyone living with abuse.”

Last year the Dove Centre supported more than 200 women and received more than 4,000 calls to its helpline.

Women experiencing domestic abuse can contact the Dove Centre on 01702 302333.

SOS Domestic Abuse is currently seeking to increase the number of helpline volunteers. Anyone interested in applying should e-mail sswain@sosdap.org