UK’s first trans and non-binary domestic violence refuge opens

But of course that won’t happen.

I think it would be better to fresh slate this. It’s a good project. Let’s hope all goes well.

Imagine if a group of "cis" people nailed a rat to the door?

It’s excellent news. I’m sure there will be wrinkles for them to sort out as there always are. But far better for the service to be able to focus on the particular needs of trans and non binary people.

At least the women in that space have consented to be in a mixed sex space and made the choice.

I was going to say this. Given the entire ethos of a trans and NB shelter is that sex is irrelevant as gender identity is a characteristic that unifies people regardless of their sex how is this going to be kept safe for female residents? Anyway, we will see. I suspect it will make our points for us.

Pretty sure there are a lot of trans-only specialist services.

there are a whole host of trans only support for teens.

This is really great news. Set up by trans people for trans people. Just like women's refuges were set up by women for women.

Very good and would be great to see this being replicated across the country.

That's excellent news thanks for posting OP

And not all TRAs are trans people.

There is however a massive lack of anyone saying 'don't abuse/exclude women in our name, these political activists do not speak for us'.

(There is from LGB people and orgs interestingly.)

absolutely right of course for something like this to exist, though I certainly wouldn't be donating.

almost no men's refuges exist. the reason why there's a need for women's refuges revolves around biological and social realities where men very rarely get the raw deal, like, unite y'know, people who've thrown their lot in with an incomparably physically stronger individual, raised this individual's children, given up their earning potential in order to pursue traditional gender roles, and so on... in terms of their role in a relationship, TW are vastly more like men than women.

Not all trans people are TRAs.

Great news. There was previously nowhere for trans-identifying-men to go to find refuge; so, I assume, in desperation, they attempted to access safe spaces allocated to women, with a degree of 'push back'.

I think it's great that there are now spaces for them to go, to access support, other than the spaces reserved for a different sex-class, where they might not feel welcome, accepted, or affirmed, also seeking their own support.

This has got to be a win/win, no?

Unless I'm missing something? 🤔

Pretty sure there are a lot of trans-only specialist services.

I think you are right, and maybe trans activists themselves are taken in by their own negative campaigning and so say there is no support.

On the other hand, it maybe from the wording that this is the first physical refuge ie this group have gone from providing online support to having somewhere that someone experiencing domestic violence can find refuge.

Or maybe they mean in Lancashire which I think is where they are based?

I wonder if the accommodation will be separated by sex? If not, what could possibly go wrong.

I am a bit confused by it supposedly being the first though. I seem to remember one opening in Ealing(?) a few years ago which I donated to and a big thing was made about that being the first.
Pretty sure there are a lot of trans-only specialist services. I'm in a lot of left wing groups, and they're often talked about and sign posted.
Maybe I'm missing something but it does feel like this happens every few months. A new trans service will pop up, trans activists start frothing and tweeting that women will be upset about it but we go 'Sure, seems like a good idea'.

I think it would be good to invest into a mental health facility to help them with their body dysphoria as well

This service has been running since 2022 (from facebook)
“What do we do? We provide one to one online support and advocacy for high risk trans, gender queer and non-binary victims of domestic abuse. This service provides high quality professional support by trained specialists who understand the specific needs of the community.”

And they announced in August of last year that they now had a refuge, so the article must be to mark it opening.

Meanwhile in Brighton (the irony) Rise is losing the funding for its LGBTQ services

It says losing this money means not only will its LGBT Refuge have to close, but its wellbeing in-reach service at Brighton Women’s Refuge will also have to go.
https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2024/02/09/domestic-abuse-charity-says-its-lgbt-service-at-risk-from-council-cuts/

I'm so pleased to see specialist support becoming available and I hope to hear of other trans/NB support services opening in other areas so they are accessible to all those who need it.

In the subject of double donations etc, I personally will continue to donate my cash to women's DV services. I know existing services for women experiencing DV are woefully oversubscribed & underfunded, and as a feminist women & children are my priority.

Hopefully though, there will still be lots of support for this refuge from the TQ+ community and allies.

Finally, great to see someone put together a support service which is, we are told, desperately needed. One only wonders why it took them so long. I hope this is the first of many introduced across the UK.

The demand for refuge places always exceeds supply so every extra bed is a blessing. A dedicated refuge as opposed to dispersed places ie single units dotted around, which is often the easiest way of meeting need for lgbtq clients, is very welcome as things such as providing therapy, mutual support and security for clients is fantastic. And one that can take clients from across the country is even more good news as moving away from an abuser and former networks is often necessary. It is England only as Wales and Scotland have their own jurisdiction over DV services. As a network and expertise increases, this may be a huge benefit to the whole sector

Surely straight men (there is no cis) should also get and be using there own bespoke DA/DV services?

There will be no reason now why a trans person need to go to a women's refuge.

This TERF is very happy to see this set up for trans and non binary people.

I also support spaces just for women

Brilliant news