A DOMESTIC abuse charity that started life with just one woman operating from a small room and now has a team of more than 60 working across the south west has achieved top recognition for the quality of its work.

The award of the coveted Investors in People gold standard marks another important landmark in the progression of the Splitz Support Service, which runs an outreach scheme that includes Swindon.

Now operating from offices on the White Horse Business Park in Trowbridge, it provides help to those who suffer domestic abuse across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire as well as in Bristol.

The gold standard is only awarded to 3.2 per cent of all IiP accredited organisations. Splitz won the bronze award three years ago.

The chairman of the Splitz board of trustees, Paul Shotton, said: “This has been stunning news, and makes me very proud of Splitz. The charity is entirely about people, with staff and volunteers working hard to help those who turn to us.

“Chief Executive Fran Lewis is both inspiring and original and, as Splitz has grown, she has gathered a magnificent team of managers who are very good at looking after their teams.”

Anyone who believes they are being abused by a partner and would like to speak confidentially to a member of the Splitz team should call 01225 775276.