This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New refuge facility in West Fife
20/01/2005
A new refuge for women and children who are fleeing
domestic abuse was officially opened in Fife today.
It's the result of a successful partnership between
Dunfermline Women's Aid, Kingdom Housing Association Ltd.,
Communities Scotland and Fife Council, This is the second
project of this type, completed by Kingdom in Fife.
Last year 9,500 women experiencing domestic abuse
contacted either Women's Aid or the Domestic Abuse Unit in
Fife. Some women need to leave the family home to secure
their own and their children's safety. This partnership has
worked to enhance refuge provision across Fife in terms of
both the number of refuge places but also the quality. The
£850,000 project provides seven self contained flats, a
common facility and an office for Dunfermline Women's
Aid.
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"Violence against women is a shameful scourge on our
society. Refuges provide vital support and a stepping stone
for women and children who are fleeing the trauma of
domestic abuse. Our £12 million refuge programme has helped
phase out the use of old style hostels, by refurbishing and
building new purpose built accommodation.
"The refuges in Dunfermline and Glenrothes are following
this model by providing self contained flats with communal
areas such as crèche and support facilities, if women want
to use them. One flat is also accessible for wheelchair
users in each development.
"We've come a long way in the fight to eradicate
domestic abuse but we can never be complacent. We will
continue to challenge men's behaviour until we get the
message across that abuse is totally unacceptable."
For Kingdom, Chief Executive Alan McGuckin commented
that:
"We are delighted that the hard work which all of the
parties have put in to the project has come to fruition and
Fife now has a second much needed, high quality facility.
The need still exists for a similar project to cover East
Fife and hopefully additional funding will be secured in
the future to allow this to be developed"
Councillor McGovern, Leader of Fife Council
commented:
"Fife Council works closely with Women's Aid to provide
a very necessary service to women, children and young
people who experience domestic abuse. Fife Council will
continue to address the issue in partnership through the
Fife Domestic Abuse Forum. We are committed to tackling
abuse through Protection, Prevention and Provision. We have
evidence that this kind of refuge can make the difference
between women returning to abuse with their children or
moving on to a life free from abuse"
A spokesperson for Dunfermline Women's Aid added:
"Dunfermline Women's Aid is delighted to be the
recipients of this lovely refuge facility. The
accommodation is of the highest standard and offers safe
and secure homes to seven families together with a communal
area and specially equipped playroom for the children. For
the first time in the charity's history we can offer women
or children who have disabilities the opportunity of
barrier free refuge. Women and children who are forced to
leave their homes because of domestic abuse can face very
difficult times ahead. Feeling and being safe is paramount
if they are to move on with their lives free from the fear
and threat of violence".
Kingdom Housing Association Limited - A Scottish Charity
- is a voluntary organisation which provides housing and
support in Fife and East Central Scotland. It currently
manages around 2,500 homes and will invest approximately
£15 million this year, providing new affordable housing for
and rent and sale on a shared ownership basis.