The national domestic violence charity Refuge has launched a new safe house for women and children fleeing domestic violence in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The refuge, which is funded by Stratford-on-Avon District Council, has the capacity to support five women and their children at any one time. It is staffed by a team of expert practitioners who will provide a range of practical and emotional support, helping victims of domestic violence to rebuild their lives following abuse.
Refuge already runs a network of specialist domestic violence services across the county of Warwickshire. Our three existing refuges support 17 women and their children at any one time. The addition of this new service will enable us to provide life-saving and life-changing support to even more women and children.
Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of national domestic violence charity Refuge, says: “I am delighted that Stratford-on-Avon District Council has provided vital funding this new refuge. Domestic violence is an horrific crime which kills two women every week in England and Wales. It is essential that women and children experiencing violence and abuse can access specialist support. This new refuge will help to save and change lives."
Cllr Maurice Howse, Enterprise, Housing & Revenues Portfolio for Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “I am extremely pleased that Refuge together with Orbit, and with the help of the District Council funding, have been able to take up the challenge of keeping this much needed sanctuary up and running. This has been a seamless operation and the current residents will be unaware of any changes in the day to day running of the facility. Domestic violence is far too common these days, even in our rural areas, and the victims deserve all the support this refuge will continue to provide."
About Refuge
Refuge opened the world's first refuge in Chiswick, West London, in 1971. It is now the country's largest single provider of specialist accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse. On any given day Refuge supports 3,000 women and children.
Refuge provides emergency accommodation through a national network of refuges and runs the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline in partnership with Women's Aid. Refuge also offers community-based outreach services, culturally specific services and a team of independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs), which supports women at the highest risk of serious injury or homicide. Refuge also runs award-winning media and advertising campaigns to raise public awareness of the issue and campaigns and lobbies for better provision for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
For more information please visit www.refuge.org.ukwww.facebook.com/RefugeCharity@RefugeCharity
News release issued by Refuge
