New refuge opens in Nuneaton and Bedworth
Women in Warwickshire who are fleeing domestic abuse, now have a new emergency refuge where they can safely stay in the Nuneaton and Bedworth area.
Funded by Warwickshire County Council, the new refuge provides seven places for women, including pregnant women and those with children under the age of 16.
Sue Ingram, Domestic Abuse Manager said “The new service was launched at a Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse event on Thursday, 17 June in Coventry where 60 professionals from 23 local services met to look at the support they provide to victims and perpetrators of abuse and to find out about new county projects.”
Rachel Norwood, Adult Health & Community Services, Warwickshire County Council said: “The refuge serves the whole of Warwickshire but its location in the Nuneaton and Bedworth area gives women living in the North of Warwickshire the opportunity to stay in an area they know and be supported by their local friends and family.”
The accommodation is divided into ‘flats’ and most of these units can accommodate an adult and at least three children. As well as the private accommodation, there is a shared kitchen, laundry facilities, communal area and children’s play facilities.
During their stay, which is anticipated to be between 3 and 12 months, women staying at the refuge will be fully supported to help them rebuild their lives, giving them maximum control to rebuild confidence, skills and independence, whilst appropriate alternative accommodation is found.
Rachel Norwood continued: “It is fantastic that the new Refuge service is now available as it will mean that women, including those with children, will be able to receive support in a safe environment and have the opportunity to go on to live safely and independently in their community.”
You can be referred to the new accommodation by contacting Refuge who are running the service on 0808 2000 247 or through a partner agency such as Borough or District Councils, housing, social care, health, Citizen Advice or via the Police.
Domestic abuse claims the lives of two women a week and 30 men a year and is the biggest cause of deaths among 19-44 year old women, more than cancer or traffic accidents.
Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse spokesperson, Sue Ingram said: “Statistics tell us that around 35 incidents of domestic abuse occur before the person affected seeks help. If you are affected by domestic abuse, you can take control of your life. We are here to help you take the first step and do something about it now.
“You are not alone as domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men. It can affect anyone. It is not your fault. You can change your life and feel safe again.”
For more information visit http://www.talk2someone.org.uk or call the Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 408 1552* to be signposted to help.
To report incidents of domestic abuse contact Warwickshire Police on 01926 415000 or call 999 in an emergency.
Help and information is available from a variety of agencies in Warwickshire, for perpetrators of domestic abuse, victims and the young people whose lives are affected.
Over 30 public services and voluntary organisations are working together as Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse in the county to tackle the harm caused by domestic abuse.
*Calls from most landlines to the Warwickshire Domestic Abuse Freephone number 0800 408 1552* are free and not itemised on bills. If in doubt, or you are calling from a mobile, please check with your telephone provider.