Leading regional law firm Higgs LLP has named Black Country Women’s Aid as its charity partner of the year.
Higgs’ people will spend 2023 fundraising and raising awareness for the charity, which has supported survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence in the West Midlands for 30 years.
Higgs’ Community Matters team voted for Black Country Women’s Aid to receive the majority of the funds raised through charitable activities this year.
Tim Jones, Partner and head of the corporate social responsibility programme at Higgs, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such an important cause throughout 2023. As a business where over 70% of our people are women, it is unsurprising that we have decided to partner with this charity and I know people feel passionately about getting involved.
“We are aware that there has been a sharp increase in demand for Black County Women’s Aid’s services as a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis."
Tim Jones
Head of CSR, Higgs LLP
“The charity needs support to ensure it can continue to offer its valued services to women in the region. “It also offers vital support to children and men who are victims of
abuse.
“Higgs LLP has a strong history of fundraising and corporate responsibility. I am very confident that our people will rise to the challenge again and raise a significant amount through a range of activities, not least the hugely popular six-a-side football tournament on June 22.”
Higgs has raised more than £150,000 for charity over the last eight years. As well as Black Country Women’s Aid, the firm will continue to support smaller groups in the region through fundraising.
Representatives from Black Country Women’s Aid will be invited to Higgs’ International Women’s Day event on March 8 to celebrate women in senior roles across the region.
Sara Ward, CEO from Black Country Women’s Aid, said: “Two women are killed every week as a result of domestic abuse. In our region we help over 8,000 victims of abuse each year to escape from violence, cope with trauma and rebuild their lives.
“We are delighted to have been chosen as Higgs LLP’s charity of the year where together we can make a real difference. We already have a great relationship; they have really embedded themselves into the local community and will support us with our campaigns.
We have an exciting year ahead as we have ambitious plans to build a new refuge and launch a new wellbeing service to help more victims. We look forward to celebrating International Women’s Day with all involved.”
Within the firm, the well-respected family law team help provide guidance and support in relation to all forms of domestic abuse, including sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, psychological abuse or tech abuse.
Karen Gray, Associate in the team, said: “We can speak to you about obtaining protection, such as Non-Molestation Orders or Occupation Orders, in order to protect you and enable you to remain in your property.
“We can also refer you to local outreach services who will listen to you and support you and your children.
“Don’t suffer in silence. Please make the step and get in touch.”
