A NEW CEO has been appointed at Trafford Domestic Abuse Service (TDAS) and she is on a mission.

At only 31, Samantha Fisher has worked her way to the top of the ladder, and now, two years early in a desperate time for the charity is working hard to re-look at its business plan to raise its profile.

TDAS offers support to individuals and families who are affected by domestic abuse. They also offer educational packages to highlight domestic violence, how to recognise it and to teach them about healthy relationships. But, with the high demand for the service they need more ways of funding.

Samantha said: "Domestic abuse can be fatal, two victims a week are killed by a current/former male partner. This affects one in four women and one in six men and every minute, one incident of domestic abuse is being reported to Greater Manchester Police."

Samantha joined TDAS seven years ago as a support worker, she was then promoted to service manager and then in February this year got asked to step up as CEO.

She said: "I was overwhelmed to be asked - a bit apprehensive but I know I have the passion to get us to where we need to be.

She has been working in support services for 10 years. She said: "People say this job must be all doom and gloom - it's not - it’s the most rewarding thing I've ever done. The journey you see the service user go on and what they achieve is amazing."

As part of the developments to TDAS, with more funding, she hopes to extend their training packages, already available to local authorities to help businesses.

She said: "Employers have a responsibility to look after their staff. Figures show how many people are affected by domestic abuse, so we would like to train employers with skills of how to deal with and support sufferers in the work place."

As part of her plan she also wants to start a volunteers project to be able to increase the number of volunteers. Although they get a lot of applications they do not have the capacity to manage them.

To help this process, in November TDAS is holding its first ever fundraiser. They will be holding a charity dinner and disco on November 18 at Best Western Cresta Court Hotel in Church Street, Altrincham. Guests will enjoy a four course Gala Dinner, welcome drinks followed by dancing, a charity auction and raffle.

Tickets are £40 per person and can be purchased by contacting admin@tdas.org.uk or 0161 872 7368.

TDAS are asking for donations for the event including, raffle and auction prizes, donations for goody bags or to sponsor a table.