Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage visited both Gosport and Fareham women's refuges today.
Southern Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) provides services to women, children and men who have experienced or who are experiencing emotional, physical or sexual abuse in their relationships. They manage refuges offering support and temporary accommodation to women and children who are escaping domestic abuse as well as offering outreach to women, children and men not staying in the refuge but still in need of advice, support and information.
Caroline met with the residents at both the Gosport and Fareham refuges as well as the support workers and the outreach workers who support domestic abuse victims in our communities.
Caroline commented after the visit:
"We must do all we can in Gosport and around the country to protect women who are vulnerable to domestic violence. The work that Southern Domestic Abuse Service does is vital to many individuals across our area.
It was brilliant to see the help and support that domestic abuse sufferers can get and how they can turn their lives around. The services they provide to everyone who is affected can be lifesaving!"
Claire Chatwin, chief executive of SDAS said:
"We were delighted that Caroline was able to visit both the Gosport and Fareham refuges and meet residents and staff to find out more about the vital services we provide to women and their children. A refuge is a place where women can be sure they are safe, and where they can access emotional and practical support from staff who understand what they have been through.
Caroline was also able to meet staff that deliver services to women, children and men living in the local community and find out more about Southern Domestic Abuse Services to victims and survivors we are able to support to remain safely in their own homes. It is important that we are able to continue to provide a range of services to meet the needs of all women, children, young people and men affected by domestic abuse"
If you are affected by domestic abuse please contact SDAS on 01329 285375 or for more information please visit http://www.southerndas.org/.
