Birmingham Crisis Centre

According to the national women’s charity, Refuge, one in three women in Britain have suffered domestic violence. The study found that more than one third of victims had kept it a secret from friends and family.

Refuge Chief Executive Sandra Horley said ‘We don’t know the true extent of domestic violence because so many women don’t disclose their experiences to anyone. It’s a hidden problem’.

The survey showed that of the victims who had revealed the abuse, 43% thought it was not serious enough to involve other people, 33% thought it was a private matter and 14% thought their partner’s behaviour was a normal part of being in a relationship.

These statistics were announced shortly after I attended an open day at Birmingham Crisis Centre.

Birmingham Crisis Centre is a local charity which provides a safe environment for victims of domestic violence. The Centre provides a home for up to 23 women and their children. Accommodation consists of 23 self-contained flats. Communal areas include a lounge, children’s playroom and an outside play area. There are also plans to develop the current nursery facility.

The Centre has a ‘Moving Forward’ project which helps those leaving the Centre rebuild their lives, restore their confidence and give them hope for the future.

My time at Birmingham Crisis Centre was time well spent. The Centre provides a safe and supportive environment, a welcome haven for those escaping violence at home. The staff were friendly and informative, providing a tour of the Centre and describing the support available to residents in helping them rebuild their lives.

The Centre is a charity and therefore relies on donations . Every financial donation makes a difference to the work carried out. You can find out further information about the Centre on the website www.birminghamcrisis.org.uk

Kate Garrett
Solicitor
Head of Employment Team

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