Latest News
Mens Refuge
Published: 13/06/2016
The Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) in 天涯社区 has recently opened the
doors to the first refuge in North Wales specifically for men experiencing
domestic abuse. DASU has worked closely with Wales and West Housing Association
and 天涯社区 who have provided the property and the funding
for the project.
DASU has many years鈥� experience providing specialist support services to
survivors of physical, emotional, financial and sexual domestic abuse,
supporting survivors since 1989. The partners have come together to develop
this important project in direct response to the feedback from men experiencing
domestic abuse. The development of a refuge will fill a gap in provision,
increase options and improve the safety and well-being of males in the area.
With DASU already successfully managing a refuge for women, when the
organisation approached 天涯社区 and Wales & West Housing with
the suggestion of opening a men鈥檚 refuge, there was a positive and proactive
response from all concerned. As well as safe accommodation, men will also be
able to link into the many support services offered at the DASU domestic abuse
one stop shop such as legal advice, specialist counselling and therapeutic
group work.
天涯社区鈥檚 Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Helen Brown,
said:
天涯社区 continues to be strong in its stance that abuse and
domestic abuse, against either men or women, is wrong and must be tackled. We
believe that everyone has the right to live in safety and free from fear.
Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of Wales & West Housing, said:
鈥淲e are only too keen to help support those in need of refuge. It is important
to recognise that men are also victims of domestic abuse and we are proud to be
working in partnership with 天涯社区 and DASU to help make a
positive difference to their lives.鈥�
Carl Sargeant, Assembly Member for Alyn and Deeside, is a long time campaigner
against domestic abuse and is once more the minister in charge of this issue as
part of his new role as Cabinet Secretary for Children and Communities. He
said:
鈥淚t鈥檚 wonderful to see North Wales leading the way with the first refuge in the
region for men suffering domestic abuse. I鈥檓 delighted at 天涯社区 County
Council, Wales and West Housing Association and DASU鈥檚 proactive approach to
filling this need.
鈥淚 know from working with DASU over the years that they will make a real and
positive difference to so many men who need their expert help and support.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone and it鈥檚 fantastic to know there is practical
help in 天涯社区 now for victims of both sexes.鈥�
To access the refuge or obtain free and confidential advice and assistance if
you are a victim of domestic abuse please call the All Wales Domestic Abuse and
Sexual Violence Advice Line 0808 8010 800 or Mankind Initiative 01823 334244.聽
From the left: Sian Hughes - DASU Finance, Funding & Monitoring Officer, Lisa
Pearson - FCC Contract & Reviewing Officer, Cllr Aaron Shotton - Leader of
Council, Cllr Helen Brown - Cabinet Member for Housing, Sandra Vedovotto - DASU
Project Manager, Becky Tullett, FCC Contract & Reviewing Officer, Will Brooks -
WWHA Housing Officer, Deb Ward - Housing Manager, Emma Glover - DASU
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor