Women’s refuge in Scarborough moves one step closer
The town's MP has raised the lack of one for victims of domestic violence
Scarborough’s new MP Alison Hume has raised in Parliament the lack of a vital refuge in the town, for victims of domestic violence.
In the last twelve months alone there have been 10,000 reported cases of domestic violence across the York and North Yorkshire area – one of the highest figures in the country.
Ms Hume told the House of Commons that a recent episode of Emmerdale had aired an upsetting storyline dealing with the domestic abuse suffered by one of the characters.
“The storyline has shown just how difficult it can be for someone to leave an abusive relationship, not least because of the psychological control exercised by abusers,” said Ms Hume.
“Victims also practically need somewhere to go to for safety. According to the latest figures available Scarborough had the highest rate of domestic abuse incidents reported in North Yorkshire but there is still no refuge for victims in the town.”
"The highest domestic abuse rate in North Yorkshire"
Addressing the Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones, Ms Hume asked if the Secretary of State would work with her, colleagues across government and stakeholders to find the funding to make sure that a refuge finally opens in Scarborough.
Planning permission for a women’s refuge was granted in 2022 but progress has stalled due to rising building costs. Ms Hume has pledged to continue the drive to find the funds to get the refuge built and open as soon as possible.
“Scarborough has the highest domestic abuse rate in North Yorkshire but we don’t have a single refuge in the whole constituency of Scarborough and Whitby,” Ms Hume said.
“I was pleased to have the opportunity once again to raise this with my government colleagues in the House of Commons and it’s now firmly on their radar. I’m also looking forward to collaborating with Jo Coles the Deputy Mayor for York and North Yorkshire who shares my goal of seriously tackling and bringing down the rates of domestic violence and violence against women and girls.”