A DOMESTIC abuse project founded to help women aged over 45 has received £5,000 of funding.

EVA Women's Aid was offered the grant by the Santander Foundation and will use it to refurbish their property, which accommodates women who have escaped from domestic violence in Redcar and Cleveland.

Furniture, kitchen equipment and other key items will be bought as part of the 45+ Project, which started six months ago.

Richinda Taylor, chief executive at EVA said: “There are many reasons why women do not report abuse or seek support and these barriers can be even more difficult for older women to overcome.

"We are really grateful for this donation which will help this new project to address the specific needs of these older women.”

The Santander Foundation gives grants to UK charities for projects designed to help disadvantaged people.

Vicky McLay, branch manager at Santander’s Redcar branch, said: “Our branch is committed to playing a key part in the community and we are delighted to be supporting EVA Women’s Aid, and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”

Around 25 per cent of the population of Redcar and Cleveland are women over 45 years old.

Women at this age are known to under-report sexual and domestic violence.