Refuge Crisis

[CaptChaos]

This article explains that, because of the way some councils have been allocating money to deal with the problem of DV, many women's refuges are or will be closing down. I think that this could maybe be the next MN campaign.

We have a great reputation for helping women to understand that some relationships are abusive. I have witnessed women posting, telling us terrible things their DP/DH has done, but not believing it to be 'that bad', who have, with gentle coaxing, come to see how dangerous their situations are. These women have been encouraged to gain rl help from Women's Aid and similar places and to have an exit strategy ready, just in case. When the refuges close, where do we send these women?

I understand that there will be people answering this with, what about men? They are in DV situations too, where do they go? And I get that. There should be provision for men, especially gay men, who need space and time in a refuge with other men to heal from their abuse. However, this should never be at the expense of women's spaces.

At the moment, and average of 2 women a week are killed by their partner or ex partner. How many will die now, if there is nowhere safe for them to escape to? How many more children will grow up seeing their father degrade and assault their mother?

I know a lot of people will be writing to their MP, but it would be great if the power of MN could be invoked in this as well.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[ABlandAndDeadlyCourtesy]

I support a campaign.

[BIWI]

Absolutely agree. I was horrified to read that some of the refuges have been closed on the basis that they won't accept men. I had kind understood that budget cuts might affect things, but not this.

Definitely support this.

[wobblywilma]

i agree. this is such an important issue

[RustyParker]

I would support a campaign too.

[CaptChaos]

Another link about why refuges are than community support are needed.

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/vera-baird-qc/domestic-violence-womens-refuge_b_5647973.html

[muffliato]

Another one in agreement here.

[Twinklestein]

Totally support a campaign.

Trying to support women in the community does not work and can never take the place of refuges.

Whoever is in charge of commissioning for dv services evidently does not know much about dv.

There seems to be a strong antipathy in this government to spending state money on services set up by women for women - as are many refuges.

The Poppy Project in London which supported and rehabilitated victims of trafficking found their contact terminated and handed to the Salvation Army.

Behind the cuts to dv services and the restructuring of how dv services are funded, seems to be a) a blind disregard for the safety of women and children & b) a paternalist 'we know better how to deal with this than you'.

[Darkesteyes]

I came across an article in my Twitter feed about how refuges have to admit men too. Erin Pizzey.


Its bloody ridiculous.

[Thehoardernextdoor]

I vote for a MN campaign too

[CaptChaos]

The Poppy Project in London which supported and rehabilitated victims of trafficking found their contact terminated and handed to the Salvation Army.

Really? That's fucking ridiculous! The SA are brilliant at what they do, and I'm sure they'll mean well, but the Poppy Project had people working with it who knew exactly what to look for, because they'd been there themselves.

[Kleptronic]

I vote for a campaign.

[theghostinthewashingmachine]

another vote for a campaign.

[Darkesteyes]

I cant get behind the Salvation Army when they are being hypocritical enough to be involved in workfare.

Its quite possible that at least one of the benefit sanctions could be a domestic abuse victim if that hasn't happened already.

[DawnMumsnet]

Hi there,

Thanks for all your posts on this thread.

Just letting you know we are looking in and taking notes. Unfortunately we can't give a firm reply just yet as some of our key campaign folk are off on holidays, but we'll be back with something more concrete next week.

[PlantsAndFlowers]

Brilliant!

[PetulaGordino]

thanks so much dawn!

[LRDtheFeministDragon]

Oh, this is great! I hope you decide to go for it.

[bibliomania]

Thanks for listening to us.

[CaptChaos]

That's brill!

I'm happy to help out, if needed????

[BertieBotts]

Great - good to know it's being considered :)

[ThinkAboutItTomorrow]

Absolutely. For me it is tied in to so much mumsnet does already. I would say a campaign about DV in a wider sense should be considered. 'You deserve better' as a message alongside 'we believe you'. Then provision for safety as a minimum level of support for those escaping.

Surely it is some sort of legal requirement from the councils? Adequate help to escape?

[Scarletohello]

Yay!

[Scarletohello]

I think funding for refuges should be ring fenced, which Theresa May has refused to do.

[PlentyOfPubeGardens]