Hampshire domestic abuse charity begin work on "crucial" new refuge centre
The new centre's planned to include two disability adapted refuge places
A Hampshire domestic abuse charity say it's "crucial" to have accessible refuge places as they begin work on a new centre.
It comes as charity, Stop Domestic Abuse, say there's currently only one refuge place fit with disability adapted family rooms across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
They aim to build two fully disability adapted family rooms as part of this new project.
Claire Lambon, CEO of Stop Domestic Abuse, said: "It's absolutely vital.
"There are lots of victims and survivors who don't need to access refuge because we have such comprehensive services that mean you can stay living in the family home or staying with friends.
"But for some, it is a matter of life and death, and you have to get out of where you're living, and go to somewhere safe, secure, anonymous, to keep you and your children safe and well.
"It is absolutely vital that we don't see victims and survivors unable to leave the perpetrator because there aren't any vacancies in the refuge."
They have started the digging process, with the refuge centre expected to be up by the end of 2026, beginning of 2027.
The charity are raising money to help complete the build and open the refuge, with a target of £3 million.
They say they have around £800,000 to go.
Ms Lambon told us the importance of having more places for those who are disabled.
She said: "It's particularly hard for disabled women or women who have disabled children to start again because if you're in a property that's specially adapted, you can't just go into mainstream accommodation.
"We also know that many victims of domestic abuse who are disabled, the perpetrator is their primary carer.
"We need to make it easier for women and children who have a disability to be able to access emergency accommodation.
"We know that emergency bed and breakfast isn't suitable for any family, but certainly not for anyone with a disability.
"It's just crucial that we provide inclusive, accessible service to anyone who's affected by domestic abuse.
"Just because someone in the family has a disability, doesn't mean you're excluded from accessing safe, secure accommodation in an emergency."