BROADACRES EXPANDS WOMEN REFUGE SERVICES

As well as its existing 14-bedroom women’s refuge in North Yorkshire, Broadacres now also has five ‘move-on’ properties in the community, as well as another single home ‘refuge’ reserved for other victims of abuse, including men, older children, and people who identify as transgender or non-binary

This means it can offer more support to people who often must flee at a moment’s notice to escape abuse, often leaving all possession behind in the process.

The refuge provides one and two-bedroom self-contained flats for women, and now a further five standalone homes.

These are properties bought by Broadacres from private landlords as part of its purchase and repair programme, which is aimed at providing more affordable homes in communities.

The three three-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom homes provide a safe space for women to reintegrate in the community after being in the refuge, with continued support from Broadacres.

And the other home ‘refuge’ provides the same support for men, older children or those who identify as transgender or non-binary.

One of the women who moved from the refuge into one of the new homes in the community has explained how it has enabled her to start living her life again.

The woman, who had to flee from her abusive husband carrying only a suitcase of a few belongings, stayed in the refuge for a few months before moving into her two-bedroom home in September 2021.

She says: “My perception of what the refuge was going to be like was nothing like what it is in reality. I had my own self-contained apartment, with my own kitchen; it was beautiful.

“I was happy and settled but as I am also very independent, I wanted my own home so when Broadacres offered me the move-on property, I didn’t hesitate in accepting.

“They furnished the whole property for me so I did not have to worry about anything, and I could not be happier here.

“It has become my safe place. I can now go out in public without looking over my shoulder or closing the curtains. I feel part of the community and it is the best thing that has happened to me. It has saved my life.”

Michaela Thomas, Broadacres’ Refuge Team Leader, said: “Since opening in 2009 the women’s refuge has provided accommodation and support services for women fleeing domestic abuse.

“The scheme provides a safe place where they can regain control over their lives by making considered choices for their future, including re-establishing themselves in the community.

“It can be utilized for a period of one year but now having the further standalone properties means we can move women who are ready into new homes in the community where, with our support, they can reintegrate into society.

“And we recognise that it is not just women who are escaping domestic violence so through our other new refuge property, we can support other people as well.”

Domestic abuse can have a long term and destructive impact upon individuals and families who are affected. One in four women in the UK are affected by domestic abuse at some stage in their lives, and it is estimated that two women in England and Wales are killed every week by an abusive partner or former partner.