The City of Wolverhampton Council has approved a £1m construction project that aims to provide support and hope to domestic abuse victims
The project is being led by The Haven Wolverhampton, a charity that has been helping women and children who have experienced abuse and homelessness for 50 years.
The project involves building eight new apartments designed for single women and families who are seeking safety after fleeing abusive situations. These purpose-built apartments will offer a secure and safe environment.
The land was acquired by The Haven Wolverhampton acquired in 2005 and originally included restrictions against development.
Domestic abuse victims can struggle to find accommodation
The city council’s decision to allow development on this land is part of its commitment to the Domestic Abuse Act of 2021 and the Safe Accommodation Strategy.
An estimated 14,355 people aged 16-74 from Wolverhampton went through domestic abuse in the year leading up to March 2020. In the same year, around 1.7m women of the same age experienced domestic abuse across the UK.
One out of every three women goes through physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. These new apartments came were created in response to the lack of safe places for people in the city.
The apartments will be safe and accessible
This idea was based on feedback from The Haven Wolverhampton’s service users. They discovered that women wanted living spaces that were private but also allowed for shared communal areas. The apartments are designed to be easily accessible for people with mobility issues.
“As we mark our 50th anniversary of The Haven, this new development further cements our mission to support women and children who are vulnerable to domestic abuse and homelessness,” said Popinder Kaur, CEO at The Haven Wolverhampton.
“Offering accommodation to those in need, so they can live lives that are free from abuse is the very foundation of our organisation, and that’s why adding to the city’s current provision is essential. We are grateful that the City of Wolverhampton Council joins us in this commitment,” she continued.
Construction is due to begin shortly. Funding for this project will come from The Haven Wolverhampton’s fundraising activities and grants from different sources.
“The Haven Wolverhampton provides a really important service to domestic abuse victims, who may be at risk of homelessness as a result. We are delighted that its plans to create eight new apartments are going ahead,” concluded Jasbir Jaspal, cabinet member for adults and wellbeing at Wolverhampton City Council.
