A sex worker in Manchester has spoken of the moment a hot drink given to her by a local charity might have saved her life.
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, had been working on the city's streets when she picked up a coffee from one of the volunteers inside a van being operated by MASH.
Run by a small network of highly trained staff, MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) offer emotional support and a safe presence for women who are sex working.
One night, the cup of coffee provided by the organisation turned out to be much more for one woman - in fact, she believes it stopped her from being raped.
"I was able to throw it in my attacker's face and flee," she said. "That night they (MASH) may have saved my life."
Her story comes as the charity warned they had seen a concerning rise in the number of women turning to them for support following incidents of abuse and violence.
The team have helped 54 women for support around violence against women in the last three months alone, and said this type of support is at the highest level in more than two years.
Women are increasingly reporting that they've been victims of sexual violence including rape, physical assaults and robberies.
Another woman, who relies on the support of the MASH van, said: "It’s awful out there at the moment. But you feel that bit safer knowing the MASH van is nearby."
Although the charity support women to report violent crimes to the police, and through the criminal justice process, volunteers say that many do not feel comfortable for fear of stigmatisation, not being taken seriously or not being believed.
MASH also offers other safety alert systems which help to share information which may help keep other sex workers safer. Often, MASH’s staff and volunteers are the first people a victim will reach out to following an incident of violence.
Women can step into a warm, private space with trained and trusted workers. They can get condoms, food and drink, warm clothing and essential items or just a few moments respite.
The charity partly relies on public donations, and is about to launch a Christmas appeal in a bid to raise vital money to fund the van, which is becoming more expensive to run.
Between Tuesday 29 November at midday and Tuesday 6 December at midday donations made via its campaign page will be doubled. So a £10 gift will become £20 for MASH.
Annie Emery, CEO at MASH, said: "It is really concerning that we are seeing an increase in women coming to us traumatised following extreme male violence and abuse. Support following attacks is a key part of our offer at MASH, but there has been an increase in demand for this type of support recently.
"The MASH van can be a first response and that’s why many women say it’s a lifeline. But it’s important to remember that the ongoing trauma of violence can have a life-long impact on women.
"Improving women’s safety has always been a priority for us at MASH. Many women say that just knowing the MASH van is driving around the area provides a sense of better safety. Women can also get free personal attack alarms, condoms and more on the van.
"And in some cases we have been able to drive a woman away from the area after an incident. We can then also provide ongoing intensive support including assisting victims to report to police and receive appropriate medical care.
"The MASH van is an incredibly vital service and we are focusing our end of year appeal on raising funds to cover the rising costs of running the van."
Donations must be made here between Tuesday 29 November and Tuesday 6 December to be doubled.
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