Closure of Bournemouth Women's Refuge could leave women homeless, fear campaigners
More than a thousand people have signed a petition to save Bournemouth Women's Refuge
Domestic abuse survivors in Bournemouth are concerned they could be made homeless or forced to move back with their abusive partners if the local refuge closes.
The refuge currently provides a safe space for 18 women and a number of children who are feeling “unsupported and unsafe”.
Women were given a 28-day eviction notice by BCP Council and told to start looking for private rental properties but in today’s housing crisis many are struggling to find accommodation.
Domestic abuse survivor, Julie Dinmore was appalled by the announcement and has since launched a petition to save the refuge.
She told us: “I feel that it's incredibly short sighted to close a facility that offers safety to women in a time and place where quite frankly women and their children simply are not safe.
“I imagine these women are feeling lost and scared, uncertain of their future and living on the edge the whole time.”
Petition
The Change.org petition titled ‘Reject the Closure of Bournemouth's Only Women's Refuge’ has already reached almost 800 signatures.
Julie added: “The response to the petition shows that people really do care about these things and that we're tired of the vulnerable always ‘carrying the can’.
“I think it's totally unacceptable the way these women have been treated but at this stage, the council will say anything to carry on what they're doing, which is a great shame.
“I am delighted the petition is gaining support and I very much hope it will lead to the overturning of this very poor decision.”
BCP Statement
A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “We would like to reassure everyone that no woman or family will be made homeless as a result of the closure of Bournemouth Women’s Refuge.
“The decision to close the refuge has been very carefully considered and based on independent advice and evidence that shows the Bournemouth refuge isn’t suitable accommodation for women in need of support.”
Local women safety groups have also written to the council, making clear their concern about the closure.
“Women who escape abusive relationships and brutality do so in the spur of the moment,” Julie said. “It’s usually a split-second decision and to be able to go to somewhere safe at any time of day/night is absolutely vital.”
The council noted: “Nobody should have to experience domestic abuse and BCP Council’s priority is to provide safe and appropriate accommodation and support to anyone in this situation.
“The nature of the Bournemouth refuge building, and the lack of self-contained accommodation and communal indoor space make the refuge unsuitable to continue to provide safe accommodation.
“Its closure will not affect the overall service and women and their families will continue to be offered appropriate support, including housing in accommodation that is more suitable for their needs.
“Of the 18 families residing at the refuge, ten have already moved to alternative safe accommodation or have agreed dates for planned moves. The remaining eight families are being supported to move-on to alternative housing in the next seven weeks. “