Refuge set up in Wiltshire for male victims of domestic abuse

Wiltshire Council and the Julian House charity will run the service

A new refuge has been set up in Wiltshire to support male victims of domestic abuse fleeing a violent relationship.

It is run by the Julian House charity, with funding Wiltshire Council receives from the government.

The location of the refuge is not disclosed for security reasons.

The accommodation is an apartment which can accommodate two adult males requiring low to medium support.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for public health, said:

“Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, which is why it is so important to have places of refuge available for men, in addition to the support already provided by Wiltshire’s domestic abuse support service, FearFree.

Julian House has experience in providing life-changing support to victims of domestic violence in the county and I am very pleased that we are working in partnership with them to increase the support available.”

Helen Bedser, chief executive of Julian House, said:

“We are really proud to be opening this refuge for male victims of domestic violence in Wiltshire, adding to our existing refuge services for women and children in the county.

“One in seven men will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. We are committed to providing the support that male victims in the local community need to recover, regain their independence and build a new life.”

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