18th August 2022
Sanctuary Supported Living
A domestic abuse service is commemorating the tenth anniversary of its women’s only refuge in Plymouth.
Over ten years, Sanctuary Supported Living’s Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS) refuge has provided help in a crisis for 450 women and 548 children, who have often had to flee domestic abuse or violence at short notice, and so have little or no possessions of their own.
As well as co-ordinating safe transfers for women to its 11-bed refuge or safe houses, the team at PDAS provide a vast range of support for all victims of abuse, including practical, non-judgemental advice, protection, safety planning, courses for building confidence and self-esteem, and advice on housing options.
As PDAS marks this milestone ten-year anniversary, domestic abuse related referrals and demand for refuge services continues to increase – especially since the pandemic which triggered a steep rise in demand for its services.
Local Service Manager, Katy Fisher, who has more than 13 years’ experience with domestic abuse and has managed the Sanctuary Supported Living service since 2010 reflected on the ongoing importance of the right to feel safe.
"Whilst it’s an incredible achievement to have provided refuge and safe accommodation for so many people fleeing domestic abuse, more help needs to be done to support victims."
She said: “Whilst it’s an incredible achievement to have provided refuge and safe accommodation for so many people fleeing domestic abuse, more help needs to be done to support victims, and we continue to work hard to provide a safe haven. Domestic abuse can happen to any one of us - it doesn’t matter where you live or work, or what background you have, or what age you are - and we want to be able to help as many people as possible and enable them to rebuild their lives without violence.”
To contact PDAS, call 0800 458 2558 or in an emergency, call 999.
For more information about PDAS’ refuge accommodation and the practical support available for victims of domestic abuse, visit our Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS) service page.
