Embargoed: Immediate release

New support for domestic abuse victims with complex needs in Harrow, Ealing and Slough

Ministry of Housing and Communities and Local Government grants £193K for the project

December 2018: Women escaping abusive relationships who have poor mental health and complex needs will have access to specialist support in a new project delivered by charity Hestia. The project will be in partnership with London Borough of Ealing, London Borough of Harrow and Slough Borough Council to ensure these women can access safe and appropriate accommodation through the support of a Multiple and Complex Needs Advocate.

Often, local authorities cannot provide women escaping abusive relationships a bed space in a refuge due to their specialist needs and they are unfortunately turned away. The Advocate will work with councils to ensure all women who seek support can begin their recovery journey to an independent life free from abuse.

Patrick Ryan, CEO of Hestia said: 

“Domestic abuse can leave a person feeling isolated and hopeless. Finding the courage to leave an abusive relationship is a difficult process. The lack of specialist support in the current system means that women who experience poor mental health and have complex needs – often because of years of abuse - can be forced to stay in life threatening relationships. This project will save lives and give women direct access to the specialist support needed to recover from the trauma of domestic abuse.”

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Notes to Editors:

About Hestia

At Hestia, we support adults and children across London in times of crisis. Last year we worked with more than 9,000 people including women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, victims of modern slavery, young care leavers and older people. From giving someone a home to helping them to get the right mental health support, we support and enable people at the moment of crisis.

Hestia is the largest provider of domestic abuse refuges in London and last year we supported 3,657 people to recover from the trauma of domestic abuse including 668 children. We provide families refuge accommodation, dedicated children and family support, IDVA (Independent Domestic Abuse Advocates) and MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Centre) support and community group support.

Hestia is also the home of UK SAYS NO MORE, a national campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence across the UK.