Avon funds the work of an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) Co-ordinator in the Coventry and Warwickshire region, who works to protect women at high risk of being seriously harmed or killed by a current of former partner.

Catherine* manages Coventry's first ever team of specialist Refuge employed IDVAs as well as an established team based in Warwickshire. Together they provide life-changing support to over 400 abused women each year, helping to rebuild futures free from violence.

Reaching women in immediate crisis, usually after particularly violent attacks, Catherine provides crucial, practical advice and emotional support. As a victim's sole point of contact, she is the vital link between abused women and key agencies. Targeting the resources of up to 15 organisations, she is instrumental in helping women and their families to access the services they need, when they need it the most.

Catherine helps abused women to make informed choices about keeping safe, explains about access to the criminal justice system and supports them through legal proceedings. With many victims terrified of facing their abuser in court and often reluctant to press charges, the IDVA's work is crucial in achieving positive legal outcomes. In addition to providing essential victim support and protection, Catherine provides training and advice to help keep women and their families safe from abuse.

Emma Salt, charity partnerships manager at Avon, comments: "It's an ugly reality that domestic violence affects one in four women in the UK. As the company for women, we are delighted to fund this women's advocate whose life-changing work will help hundreds of abused women each year to build better futures."

Sandra Horley OBE, Refuge chief executive says: "Refuge's independent advocates provide a lifeline to women up and down the country. Yet sadly securing funding for this essential service is very difficult to do. We are enormously grateful to Avon UK for its funding which will help ensure that some of the highest risk women in Coventry and Warwickshire receive the support they so desperately need and deserve."

To celebrate International Women's Day on 8th March 2011, Avon donated £10,178 to Northampton Women's Aid (NWA) and £10,300 to Wellingborough and East Northants Women's Aid (WENWA) to help fund a vital scheme, helping local women to recognise and escape from abuse in their homes.

The Freedom Programme, a 12 week course, empowers women with the skills to identify and deal with the warning signs of abuse so that they can protect themselves and their children. Thanks to Avon's donation, the already successful programme will run more regularly so that even more women can look forward to a future free from violence.

Photo: Anna Segatti, Vice President, Avon WEMEA, presents Northamptonshire women's refuges with vital funds.

Employees at Avon's Northampton and Corby sites raised an incredible £62,000 for women's causes in 2009 and last year voted on where they would like the funds they had raised to go.

Commented Anna Segatti, senior vice president of Avon WEMEA, who presented the donations: "As the company for women, improving women's lives has been part of Avon's DNA for 125 years. I'm delighted to present this donation on behalf of our employees to help make a real difference to the lives of so many women in our local community."

Hamida, CEO of Wellingborough and East Northants Women's Aid, says: "With the ever increasing pressures of government budget cuts, the support of corporate organisations like Avon is vital for the survival of the crucial services we offer. We are extremely grateful for this wonderful donation from Avon and look forward to offering the Freedom Programme to more local women so that they and their children can protect themselves and lead better lives."

Avon employees took on a grueling 30 mile walk to raise vital funds for domestic violence charity, Northampton Women's Aid (June 2011).

Ten staff undertook the challenge, which saw them walk from Avon's distribution site in Corby to the company's Northampton headquarters in the town centre. The 12 hour trek took the team on a demanding journey along the cross-country tracks of Northamptonshire's Jurassic and Brampton Valley Ways, on what was reportedly the hottest day of the year so far. The team has raised an estimated £3,000 which will help Northampton Women's Aid to provide life-saving support services for local women and children who have fled their homes to escape violence and abuse.

Avon employee and walk organiser, Kevin Johnson, says: "As Avon celebrates its 125 anniversary, we wanted to do something to help make a difference in our local community. Domestic violence is an often overlooked issue which affects one in four women in the UK, so this challenge seemed the perfect way for us raise awareness and much needed money to help local women and children affected by domestic abuse."

He added: "It was an exhausting challenge, especially in the 30 degree heat, but we're all extremely proud of our efforts and delighted to have raised £3,000 for a very deserving local charity."

Chris Starmer from Northampton Women's Aid added: "On behalf of all of the women and children at our refuge, I'd like to thank all of the walkers from Avon for their outstanding efforts and raising such a wonderful amount of money for our service. It's fantastic to see companies like Avon supporting our local community."