Greenwich Hospital grant strengthens specialist support for Royal Navy personnel and families affected by domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking

A £40,000 grant from Greenwich Hospital is helping specialist charity Aurora New Dawn provide vital support to members of the Royal Navy community affected by domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking. 

According to Aurora New Dawn's latest monitoring report, the Charity has directly supported 22 members of the Royal Navy community, including serving personnel and spouses, while 16 children have also benefited indirectly from their services since March. 

The grant, awarded earlier this year, contributes towards Aurora New Dawn's core costs, enabling the Charity to continue delivering independent, confidential and trauma-informed support to serving Royal Navy personnel and their families who are or have experienced abuse. Support includes one-to-one advocacy support, helpline provision, and therapeutic group support. 

Members of the Armed Forces can face unique barriers to seeking help. Concerns about confidentiality, career implications, operational commitments and the close-knit nature of military communities can make it more difficult for victims and survivors to disclose abuse and access specialist services. Aurora New Dawn's dedicated Armed Forces service has been developed to address these challenges, providing tailored support for members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force communities, including those serving overseas. 

Through its specialist Armed Forces helpline and experienced caseworkers, the Charity provides practical advice, independent advocacy and emotional support, helping individuals improve their safety, access appropriate services and begin their recovery. 

Aurora New Dawn also works in partnership with military and civilian organisations to ensure members of the Armed Forces community receive coordinated, timely support wherever they are based and whether they are currently serving or have transitioned. 

Deirdre Mills, Director of Greenwich Hospital, said: 

"No one should have to face domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking but sadly, these challenges do exist. We recognise that members of the Royal Navy community can encounter unique barriers when seeking help, which is why Aurora New Dawn’s dedicated service is so vital. Their expertise, deep understanding of military life, and trauma-informed approach ensure that serving personnel and their families receive the confidential, compassionate support they need to recover and rebuild their lives." 

Dr S Dillon, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora New Dawn, said: 

“This grant has enabled us to continue providing specialist, independent support to members of the Royal Navy community affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking. We understand that the realities of service life can make it particularly difficult for people to come forward and seek help. 

This funding allows us to ensure that serving personnel and their families have access to confidential, trauma-informed support from advisers who understand the unique challenges of military life."