New Mills plasterer raises £55,000 to help domestic abuse survivors

A New Mills plasterer who suffered domestic abuse and was raped as a teenager has raised thousands of pounds to provide free materials and labour for other survivors.
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Naima Ben-Moussa launched an online donation page back in the spring to raise money so that survivors of domestic abuse could have their homes renovated free of charge.

This story was first reported in The Buxton Advertiser and then caught the attention of the national media. Last week Naima was on the Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2 speaking about her life and how she was raped at 17 and saw her biological mum be raped as well.

Naima Ben-Moussa has raised £55,000 to help survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their homesNaima Ben-Moussa has raised £55,000 to help survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their homes
Naima Ben-Moussa has raised £55,000 to help survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their homes

In just ten minutes she had raised £12,000 and over the weekend donations have topped £55,000.

She said: “I am so overwhelmed.

"I can’t believe the generosity of people and how quickly the money came in.

"I am a survivor and I want to help other women who are survivors too.”

Naima Ben-Moussa, right, pictured with plastering tutor Cliff.Naima Ben-Moussa, right, pictured with plastering tutor Cliff.
Naima Ben-Moussa, right, pictured with plastering tutor Cliff.

Naima will now be working with domestic abuse charity Crossroads High Peak to reach out and help women who may have been left with a damaged house following attacks from a family member or partner.

Naima from New Mills said: “This isn’t just about repairing walls and doors, it’s about repairing a woman’s confidence.

"I am powerful and I am strong although there was a time when I never felt like that but now I do and I want to help others.

"After I was on the Jeremy Vine show on Friday I have been inundated with hundreds of messages from tradespeople up and down the country who all want to help give their time for free to help women move forward.

"It’s amazing I’ve got lists of plasterers, electricians, plumbers even roofers and interior designers all wanting to get on board.

"I’ve had offers from Dulex for paint packs and people pledging to pay £1,000 a year or those who have offered to pay a survivor’s wages for a year to give her a fresh start – its incredible.”Now with so much money on the online donation page, Naima is looking to set up a registered charity, have a website designed and really start helping those who need support.

To listen to the Jeremy Vine show click here

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