Charity opens refuge for men fleeing domestic abuse in Wiltshire
Julian House's second refuge has been made possible by funding from Wiltshire Council
More help is being made available to men in Wiltshire who are fleeing domestic abuse.
Charity Julian House has opened a second refuge in the county, thanks to funding from Wiltshire Council.
The Council’s Public Health Team allocated a portion of the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant to Julian House.
The charity's set up a fully furnished space that can provide temporary housing for two adult men, requiring low-medium support.
Helen Bedser, Chief Executive of Julian House, said: “1 in 7 men will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. We are determined to provide the support that male victims need to recover, regain their independence and build a new life for themselves.”
More protection for abuse survivors
It follows new court orders aimed at keeping domestic abusers away from their victims being trialled in England and Wales.
The pilot scheme will cover all forms of the crime - and won't be time limited.
The scheme gives some forces more power to keep abusers away from victims.
In the 12 months to March 2024, Wiltshire Police recorded 12,246 crimes, according to Home Office data.
Regional Manager at Julian, Ruth, welcomed the trial, but said the work never stops: "There is always still more work to be done as long as this doesn't just stop now. We've done these a couple of things. Therefore we can put that to one side. Now focus on something else.
"It needs to keep the momentum. So as long as that trajectory carries on in that direction, then yes, it's a it's a good thing."
Ruth added that she hopes the trial can bring survivors a sense of security.
"The police receive a call about domestic abuse every 30 seconds in the UK. If you imagine the demand on services, how often that they're called out, giving the police the power to not have to wait gives the victim a greater sense of security and safety."