A short film aimed at breaking down the mystery and fear that
often surrounds the term 'refuge' has been launched by a
Derby-based women's shelter.
The refuge, which supports women and their children who are
fleeing domestic violence, is managed by housing provider Derwent
Living. The facility opened in 1995 and has since helped more than
2500 women from across the UK to get back on their feet and return
to a normal life.
The short film gives an insight into refuge life and features
former residents who talk about their experiences before, during
and after their time at the shelter.
One former resident, Amanda Birks fled her home in the middle of
the night with her children when she realised that the domestic
violence she had been suffering was about to go too far.
"He had his hands around my throat and I knew I had to get out
or he would kill me." She says. "I was worried about the safety of
my children. The refuge really helped me get back on my feet.
I was there for nine months and there was always someone
around when I needed support. I'm now living in my own
accommodation and I'm studying for a degree in applied social work.
I don't think I would have got this far without the support I
received from Derwent Living."
Donna Webb, domestic violence services manager at Derwent Living
says: "For far too many women, home can be a terrifying prison and
the thought of going into a refuge can be frightening, particularly
when your confidence is already very low. We produced the film to
show that there is protection and support available in a safe
environment.
"When women arrive, particularly those with children who are
frightened and tearful, there is always someone on hand to allay
their fears and help them settle in. It's very rewarding to
see families grow in confidence and develop their life skills in a
fun, happy, relaxed and safe community."
Derwent Living's refuge provides floating support and a
children's service. It is the largest refuge if its kind in Derby
and the only one that has self-contained flats. The refuge caters
for 15 families at a time and is supported by the community through
donations of cash, clothes, toys and furniture.
The refuge also runs a special service called the Butterfly
Project, which provides support to women fleeing domestic violence
who have additional support needs such as drug or alcohol
dependency. It is the only facility of its kind outside of
London.
Donna added: "We want to let women know that there is protection
and support available if they fall victim to any form of violence
or intimidation from their partners or other family members. Far
too many women stay in abusive relationships for too long before
reporting their crimes to the police. We are urging anyone who
feels threatened to contact us immediately and we can offer them
accommodation and support."
For a free copy of the film on DVD, or to find out more about
the services provided by the refuge, please call Derwent Living on
01332 346 477 and ask to speak to a member of the domestic violence
team.