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MP Greg Mulholland - sent message of support.

A threatened lifeline forvictims of domestic violence has been saved after an influx of financial support.

Behind Closed Doors, which has been helping women in Otley, Ilkley, Aireborough and district for a decade was facing closure because of a funding crisis.

But now its future is secure for another year after grants and donations from a number of organisations and local businesses.

The organisation, which was formed in 1998, saw referral rates rocket in 2007 - but despite the obvious need for its services the group was drawing a blank with its funding bids.

With money already running out last September the group's outreach programme was under threat and the whole organisation was facing closure early this year unless the situation changed.

But now it has been revealed that the vital service is secure until early next year after the success of a number of successful funding bids and donations from local businesses.

Louise Tyne, a spokeswoman for the group, said: "We are not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination - but we have got some funding and we are basically pretty much secure until February or March next year."

The group, which is based in the area but does not publicise its location, needed between £120,000 and £130,000 per year just to keep its services running at last year's level. But organisers say demand is continually growing, and with no statutory funding they rely totally on charitable and trust grants.

As well as successful grant applications and support from a number of local businesses the group will be one of the organisations to benefit from this year's Otley Carnival.

And it is funding which is desperately needed as the group continues to be called upon to help women who are trapped in violent and abusive relationships.

Louise said: "Our referrals have increased massively - partly because of the publicity and partly because we have increased our geographical area ."

Messages of support flooded in when the group's plight was revealed by the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer last year.

One former victim described how Behind Closed Doors had saved her sanity and her life and she urged anyone who could help to make a donation.

The group also received messages of support from other victims of domestic violence, professionals working in the field and from Otley's MP Greg Mulholland, who described their work as an essential service'.

Louise said the group was extremely grateful for the support it had received and to everyone who had rallied round to help secure its future.

"I think we were really chuffed to bits at the support we have had locally. It means an awful lot and makes it worthwhile."

She stressed the need for regular funding to secure the group's long-term future.

"It is really hard to plan and move forward when you are constantly having to worry about whether you are going to have the funding to carry out a piece of work."

The organisation is now hoping to set up a Friends of Behind Closed Doors fund-raising group. Anyone interested is invited to a meeting which will be held at the United Reformed Church in Bridge Street, Otley from 10am to noon on April 5. Or they can ring Maggie Shires on 07706 804080.

Behind Closed Doors is also looking for new members to join its management committee, and is asking anyone interested to phone Ruth Davieson on 07813 034959.

5:25pm Friday 21st March 2008

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