More Beds for Women and Children Fleeing Domestic Abuse
27 Mar 2007More beds for women and children fleeing domestic abuse
Lliw Valley Women’s Aid Refuge will officially reopen on Thursday 29th March. Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, Mrs Edwina Hart AM, MBE will relaunch the refuge at Lliw Valley Drop in and Outreach Centre, Pontardawe,
Many more women and children who are in need of emergency accommodation will be able to find a safe and comfortable place to stay at Lliw Valley Women’s Aid Refuge.
During 2005-2007, 177 women and their children sought refuge and only 107 women and 84 children were accommodated due to lack of space and inadequate facilities. Existing occupants, who had come to the refuge for safety, have commented that the refuge lacked privacy, space and basic facilities.
Mrs Edwina Hart, AM for Social Justice and regeneration stated "I’m pleased that we have been able to assist Lliw Valley Women’s Aid who have, over the last 23 years, provided invaluable assistance to people whose lives have been blighted by domestic abuse. This is an example of our ongoing commitment to the cause, and follows hot on the heels of a £250,000 Assembly Government investment in the 24-hour all Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline operated by Welsh Women’s Aid and launched in January."
Thanks to a grant from Big Lottery, Gwalia Housing Trust and Neath Port Talbot Key fund who worked in partnership with Lliw Valley Women’s Aid, an extension and refurbishment to the building could be carried out, providing women and children with appropriate facilities in a safe environment. The refuge now hosts privacy rooms, disabled access, play areas and en suite facilities.
The Director of Lliw Valley Women’s Aid,
"As we are all aware Domestic Abuse can affect families from all walks of society, it is not solely a problem for those with money worries, alcohol or drug related issues. Women and their children come into the refuge when they are at their lowest; this is never a choice that they make lightly and usually means that they have nowhere else to go. It is so important for us to be able to offer them as many of the comforts of home as is possible in a shared environment. Having their own personal space is equally as important as the shared spaces that we provide. The newly refurbished refuge will offer a greater degree of personal space for families including their own bedroom, en suite bathroom and small kitchen area.
We hope that this will enable families to settle more easily into life in the refuge and allow them the time and space they need to make choices about their next step with the help and support of the staff."
Ends
Notes to editors:
Lliw Valley Women’s Aid has provided emergency accommodation to women and their children since 1984.
The event will take place at 11:35 am with the official reopening by the Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, Mrs. Edwina Hart AM MBE at 12:10 pm.
For further information contact Lliw Valley Women’s Aid on 01792 862035.
Lliw Valley Women’s Aid is one of 34 members groups of Welsh Women’s Aid, the leading provider of services aimed specifically at helping vulnerable women and children who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse in
1 in every 4 women in
In 90% of domestic abuse incidents children are in the same or the next room. If you, or someone close is experiencing domestic abuse please call 0808 80 10 800, Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline open 24 hours.
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The Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, freephone support and information service for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or wanting more information on available support services. Open 24 hours. Click on the logo for more information