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Stained glass art created for domestic violence charity

A piece of stained glass artwork has been created for a domestic violence charity and was handed over on International Women's Day.

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Stained glass artist Rosa Ferris who is based at the Ruskin Glass Centre has made a new logo in glass for the Black Country Women's Aid. From the Black Country Women's Aid Deborah Slater with Rose Ferris.

Artist Rosa Ferris owns studio Rose Windows in Stourbridge and has created the piece of art for Black Country Women's Aid, with the charity's logo on.

She presented it to its CEO Sara Ward and fundraising officer Deborah Slater on Friday to mark International Women's Day.

Rosa said: "I wanted to give something to a women's organisation because we are still mostly on the receiving end of domestic violence.

"So I wanted to give a gift to an organisation.

"BCWA asked for a logo in glass and that I am giving this as a donation, on International Women's Day."

Deborah Slater, regional fundraising officer for Black Country Women’s Aid, said the charity receives more than 500 calls a day and relies on the support of the community.

She said: "BCWA has been helping victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse for more than 30 years.

"We have six refuges in the area, one of which is for survivors of human trafficking and modern day slavery, our other five refuges are full of women and children escaping violence and living in fear.

"Domestic Violence is a massive problem in the black country, last year we supported over 9,000 adults with their children to overcome trauma and re build their lives. 10 per cent are male.

"We have a big children’s team that supports children and young people that have experienced rape and sexual violence. Last year we supported 556 children and young people that were victims of rape, domestic abuse and exploitation.

"We currently receive over 24 calls an hour and without the support of local businesses and the community we would really struggle."

Rosa is also hoping to carry out art classes for women in refuges in the Black Country and is appealing for donations. For more information visit rosewindows.net/