A charity is having to charge victims of domestic abuse to use its support service because of a lack of funding.

Walk Tall, in Lower Road, Northfleet, has helped hundreds of adult victims since establishing its programme in 2004, holding free one-to-one sessions with a qualified counsellor and monthly support groups.

Local authority and Lottery funding has dried up, forcing the charity to appeal for donations and payment from victims.

Chief executive Ann Duke said: “We are having to ask for a minimum one-off payment of £5 to use the service, but we do not turn away people who cannot afford to pay.

“The reality is that many victims of domestic abuse are not in the financial position to pay.”

While its education programmes for youngsters remain unaffected by the cash shortage, Walk Tall must find £15,000 to keep its domestic abuse services running each year.

It has already had to close its premises in The Parade, High Street, Swanscombe.

According to Ms Duke, many of the victims who use the service have been devastated by the news. Children who use its education programmes have been putting together fund-raising events to help raise the cash.

To make a donation, call 0845 270 8130.