LOCKDOWN has seen a rise in the number of domestic abuse victims, according to the charity Refuge.

One Taunton mum decided she had to do something to help - and created a Facebook group for those who have experienced abuse.

Sarah Kana-ah, 33, set up ‘EMPOWER - Protecting Women’s Safety’ three weeks ago and the group now has more than 60 members.

“When I heard throughout lockdown the high increase in domestic violence cases and the deaths reported, it broke my heart and I knew I needed to do something to try and help these women and families,” said Sarah.

“I could relate to what I was hearing as I once was living with an abuser and too scared to leave or break the cycle. That is when I started the group.”

As well as setting up the group, Sarah has raised £250 and collected donations for Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS), as well as raising £300 for MIND during lockdown.

Bryony Pengelly, from BLAZE Martial Arts & Personal Safety, has also joined Sarah on her mission to empower women in Somerset.

“When Sarah invited me to become part of the team at Empower I was thrilled to get involved and support the valuable work that Women’s Aid are doing,” said Bryony.

“Especially as statistics have soared since lockdown began, with some charities seeing a 120% surge in helpline calls compared to August 2019.

“Self-defence is vital to all women as, not only does it provide life-saving abilities but the knowledge and skill set can boost a person’s confidence and mental health which has ripple effects to the rest of their lives.

“The beauty of the techniques we teach is that you don’t have to be fit or physically strong to be able to defend bigger and stronger attackers, yet the techniques are very effective and have a massive impact psychologically.”

She has agreed to post some self-defence videos on the page and eventually host self-defence workshops once social distancing restrictions ease.

The profits from this workshops will go towards the charity Women’s Aid.

“I was in a domestic violence relationship when I was 14 for a few years. I managed to get away eventually but I didn’t seek help for the damage caused at the time,” Sarah added.

“Many years later, I ended up back in a couple more toxic, emotionally and physical abusive relationships again.

“It was like my childhood was repeating on me. I found my anxiety was very high and I lost a lot of confidence and had very little self-esteem.

“For many years, I've avoided meeting the opposite sex, unless I knew them properly due to a fear of being controlled, hurt emotionally or physically again.

“I started learning some basic self-defence techniques online and felt much more confident, stronger and safer in myself.

“I believe empowerment is so important for women who have been through abuse or have low confidence levels as it is a part of healing, gaining back the power that was taken from you, and learning to see the importance and strength in yourself.

“It’s not about learning to beat your abuser up, but to become aware of your environment and learn essential survival skills that protect both your mind and body.”

If you would like to join the group, visit facebook.com/groups/623557581610709/