Refuge for women fleeing domestic abuse to continue in Highland capital
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A refuge for women fleeing domestic abuse will continue to be provided in Inverness – amid earlier fears a smaller one in Dingwall could be left serving the entire region.
It was revealed last week that the city’s 12-flat refuge, run by Inverness Women’s Aid, was set to close, prompting fears that women’s lives could be put at risk and sparking an online petition.
Highland Council has since been holding talks with women’s aid groups.
In a statement, it said: “Highland Council, in discussion with Inverness Women’s Aid, has reached agreement regarding service provision in Inverness which means that they will continue to provide refuge and supported accommodation, in close working collaboration with Highland Council services.
“Inverness Women’s Aid will also continue to provide support and advice services to ensure that the different needs of women and families are catered for.
“Alongside this, Highland Council is working with all Women’s Aid Groups in Highland to review service provision, in close collaboration with Women’s Aid Scotland.”
The council’s homelessness team will continue to provide emergency accommodation.
Inverness Women’s Aid had previously stated that it was planning to close the refuge and introduce a new service model.
This would include outreach support from a new office which would help women to obtain safe accommodation in the community.
It said the refuge’s occupancy rate had decreased resulting in a significant drop in housing benefit income.
But the plan sparked an outcry as it would have left a six-flat refuge in Dingwall – which has been running at full capacity – to serve the entire Highlands.
Campaigners say as well as a safe space, refuge also provides specialist services including liaising with criminal justice, mental health, housing, social work, welfare, and legal and also offering support, counselling, children support work and advocacy.
