"Domestic Violence: Why the System Is Failing Women – and What We’re Doing About It”

Domestic violence is one of the biggest stains on our so-called “civilised” society - and do you know what’s even more insulting? The government throws pennies at it, while women are literally fighting for their lives. Let’s be honest, if domestic violence victims were treated with even half the urgency and respect of some corporate lobbyists, we’d have state-of-the-art shelters on every street corner. But no. Apparently, beating your partner half to death isn’t quite the priority - protesting for Palestine’s freedom? Oh, that’ll get you nicked in minutes. Make it make sense.

Women’s experiences with the justice system speak volumes: officers who don’t take reports seriously, cases dismissed for “lack of evidence” when the bruises are still fresh, and abusers who walk away with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Yet millions of pounds can be funnelled into nonsense projects or padded salaries for people who have never been in the trenches of this issue.

This is why Dope Soul Village is on a mission to do what they can’t (or won’t): we’re raising money to open a flagship shelter - one that actually gives a damn. A place with accountability, transparency, and integrity, run by women who understand that helping women escape violence isn’t just about a bed for the night. It’s about setting their lives back up from start to finish - support workers who guide them every step of the way, ensuring they leave with a plan, stability, and the confidence to rebuild. And yes, kids and pets are part of the package. Because newsflash: they’re family, too.

We’re sick of the same tired cycle - the “one-size-fits-all” shelters that tick boxes but leave women traumatised and unsupported. We want to build something that doesn’t currently exist: a proper programme where women aren’t treated like numbers, but like human beings deserving of safety and hope.

The sad truth? The only reason we’re even here fighting for this is because the justice system is failing, spectacularly. Violent men aren’t being locked up, victims are left to fend for themselves, and charities are left filling in the gaps with scraps of funding. Enough is enough.

So, if you’re as sick of this as we are, help us raise the funds to make this vision a reality. Because while they sit on their thumbs, hoping for the best, we’ll be out here doing the actual work.

With love (and righteous fury),

Sam
Founder | Dope Soul Village