A domestic violence charity has been put in a desperate situation where it may have to cut services just when they are needed most.

Eve Well Women’s Project has hit a funding crisis at a time when it has been “overwhelmed” by calls for help.

Set up two years ago with the help of lottery funding, the charity say in the past few months the number of people it supports has soared while its income has been cut.

It says it will be forced to withdraw vital support services across the county in days unless it gets new funding.

Based in Brice Road, Heyford Park, near Bicester, Eve recently expanded its service to Witney, supporting women suffering domestic violence, mental health or physical conditions and isolation.

But this year the charity did not get grants from Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council who had previously supported it, and has relied on funding from Heyford Parish Council, Oxfordshire Community Council and West Oxfordshire Council.

Trustees’ chairman Anji Hall said: “Unfortunately although our numbers have trebled, our funding has hal-ved and we now find ourselves in a severe financial situation. We have the money to run one more week until we will have to suspend our services.”

An army of 40 volunteers donate about 150 hours’ time a week to help up to 300 women by running courses and visiting people in their homes.

But Eve still has to find £300 a week to keep going.

“We have been doing fundraising, but local fundraising is not going to keep us going,” said Anji.

Inspector Ivan Reaney of Thames Valley Police Domestic Violence Dept said: “This is a new, very active organisation that seems to be building up its client base.

“It has certainly taken a greater role in supporting victims, at a time when there is an issue that funding is at risk to support organisations.”

Anyone who can help the charity should call 01869 232461.