Over 600 women and children helped by domestic abuse service that has two Burnley based refuges

And although a commendable figure Lancashire Refuges, which has supported the women and children in 10 refuges, including two based in Burnley and a number of safe houses, it is still striving to help more.

Whilst this figure shows just how many people this life saving service currently supports, it is recognised that there is still much more work to do, as the service is still only able to accommodate 27% of the referrals they receive.

This means that just under three quarters of those living with domestic abuse in Lancashire are not yet able to access support in a refuge setting.

The countywide domestic abuse support service led by SafeNet Domestic Abuse and Support Services in partnership with Fylde Coast Women’s Aid (FCWA), the Liberty Centre and Progress Housing Association, offers a wide level of immediate support to victims of domestic abuse with a single point of access to accept referrals from across Lancashire.

In July, Lancashire Refuges successfully expanded their existing refuge provision with a new SafeNet refuge opened in Lancaster despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility offers additional 24 hour emergency accommodation in a brand new specially converted 20-bed refuge facility with both traditional refuge and additional complex needs support.

One resident said: “When I left home with my son, I was so afraid of the decision I’d made. The help

I have received here has helped me to believe that I can live a normal life”

Helen Gauder, Manging Director of SafeNet said “We are proud of the women and children we have

supported this year as they work towards safer, healthier and happier futures.

"And we will continue to deliver quality accommodation with specialist bespoke support to keep all victims and survivors safe. We are working to strengthen and extend refuge services to ensure we can sustain and grow

our services to meet the increasing demand for safe refuge spaces in Lancashire.”

County Coun. Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said the work of commissioned refuges is ' vitally important in order for us protect and support some of our most vulnerable people in Lancashire.'

He added: "SafeNet and partners do a tremendous job in helping us to keep women and children safe. They have provided proactive, innovative and responsive services, especially during some particularly difficult times over the last few months.”

To access Lancashire Refuges 24 hours a day, 365 days a year call 0300 303 3581. For more

information about Lancashire Refuges, visit www.lancashirerefuges.org.uk