Sem Moema AM visited a refuge in Islington to see how the service works and speak to residents about their experiences during the pandemic and the challenges they face now.
Sem Moema aims to shine a spotlight on women fleeing abuse during the pandemic. The refuge is one of 22 refuges run across London by Solace. The refuges provide safe accommodation where women and children receive practical and emotional support. Many women flee abuse with nothing and for many being locked in with their perpetrator during lockdown has been a living nightmare.
Sem Moema AM says, ‘Today I visited a refuge to see first-hand the excellent work of Solace Women’s Aid and to learn how I can help further. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to take the step to leave your abuser, particularly at Christmas and in a time of such global fear and anxiety. I want these women to know they’ve not been forgotten.’
Solace is the largest domestic abuse charity in London, supporting more than 23,000 women and girls each year as well as a small but increasing number of men. They say that they have seen calls to their advice line more than double since the start of the pandemic.
Jane Jutsum, Director says, ‘More than 300 women and children spent Christmas in one of our refuges, we do everything we can to make their stay as positive and supportive as possible, but the truth is that many women and children are starting 2022 in fear. At Solace we want all women to live lives, safe and free from abuse. Speaking out about abuse or leaving an abusive household is a brave and courageous step and we’re proud to be supporting women to claim their new lives. It’s vital work and we’re pleased that Sem Moema recognises the importance of helping women and families in crisis.’
To find out more about Solace’s work, please visit their website www.solacewomensaid.org
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For more information on our work contact: – media@solacewomensaid.org
About Solace
Solace is a leading specialist VAWG charity in the UK, with over 45 years’ experience working with survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). We deliver eight core multi-disciplinary empowering services that support women and children from the moment of crisis to recovery and independence. We offer ongoing support to survivors, helping them to rebuild their lives through advice advocacy and support. We also provide safe refuge and move-on accommodation to women and children made homeless through VAWG. Our 1 – 1 counselling, group work and specialist holistic therapies help survivors recover after experiencing traumatic abuse. Our rape crisis service offers a range of services to women and girls 13+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Our Children and Young People’s (CYP) team delivers a range of services, including prevention work, for families and young people living in the community. Through our national training courses and consultancy, we help other organisations to improve their response to VAWG.
Website – www.solacewomensaid.org
Twitter – @SolaceWomensAid
Facebook – /SolaceWomensAid
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Solace Women’s Aid is a charity registered in England and Wales. Charity number 1082450 Company number 3376716