TROWBRIDGE-based domestic abuse charity Splitz says it is overwhelmed with the amount of referrals for its perpetrator programmes and is coming under increasing pressure from cutbacks.

The charity, which celebrated its 25th anniversary at Leigh Park Hotel in Bradford on Avon on Wednesday, currently has 45 men on the waiting list for its perpetrator programme, but does not have the resources to cope.

Fran Lewis MBE, executive director of Splitz Support Service, which exists to support victims, their children and perpetrators of violence, said the charity she founded in 1989 is facing major challenges due to diminishing resources.

She said funding is “uncertain” and the decision makers in government need to recognise that money spent now will help reduce the long-term burden on hard-pressed health and social services.

“There is a real problem cascading down from the top and it’s affecting the person on the street,” said Mrs Lewis. “I have four or five part time workers for Wiltshire and they are under strain, while victims are creeping up from low risk to high risk.

“It is not because we are not willing, but because there is not the money. More investment now will help mitigate the likelihood of cases escalating and will save money in the long run.

“Funding to run our volunteer scheme runs out in March and, at the moment, I don’t know what we are going to do about it. You have government cuts that come down to the local council and they have lost money.

“We can’t cope with the increase in people coming in to see us. We are looking at running groups or surgeries, because when people need help with domestic abuse they need it as soon as possible, but we are snowed under with referrals.”

With a remit that has in recent years seen Splitz extend its domestic abuse work into Bristol, Gloucestershire and Devon as well as Wiltshire, the charity is now dealing with more than 3,700 adult referrals annually and more than 250 for services involving children.

However, due to the competitive tendering process, the charity, which is based in White Horse Business Park in Trowbridge, has recently had to wind down its perpetrator programme in Bristol.

At the celebration on Wednesday, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Troughton unveiled a plaque commemorating 25 years.

Mrs Lewis added: “While we have much to celebrate, we certainly cannot afford to rest because the scourge of domestic abuse remains a huge problem that is being met with diminishing resources.”

In 25 years the charity has handled more than 17,000 referrals and spent over £7 million to the cause. Of every pound spent supporting Splitz, 99.6p goes on beneficiaries and just 0.4p on running costs.

For more info on the charity, visit www.splitz.org