Refuge for male victims of domestic abuse now open in Wiltshire

Julian House in partnership with Wiltshire Council are providing a new safe accommodation service that will provide temporary refuge and support to adult males fleeing domestic abuse.

Wiltshire Council has allocated a portion of the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities' Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant to Julian House to deliver the service. Julian House is a charity that supports vulnerable and at-risk individuals.

The accommodation is a flat located in Wiltshire which can accommodate two adult males that require low to medium support. The property has been renovated to a high standard, is fully furnished and close to amenities. Staff will provide daily support and residents will have access to an emergency 24 hour on call service.

The new provision is now open, and professional or self-referrals can be made via Julian House, ManKind or the Male Domestic Abuse Network.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: "Everyone can be a victim of domestic violence which is why it is so important we have refuge accommodation available for men, in addition to the support already provided by Wiltshire's domestic abuse support service, FearFree.

Julian House is experienced in providing life changing support for victims of domestic violence in the county and I'm really pleased that we're 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 determined to provide the support that male victims in the local community need to recover, regain their independence and build a new life for themselves."

If people are experiencing domestic abuse and would like to access support in the community, Wiltshire's domestic abuse support service, FearFree, can help.

• Online: FearFree: Wiltshire (opens new window) website
• Call: 01225 775276
• Email: spa@fearfree.org.uk (opens new window)

Professional or self-referrals to the refuge can be made to:

• Julian House (professional or self-referrals): call 01380 738006 or email wiltshiredva@julianhouse.org.uk (opens new window)
• ManKind (professional or self-referrals): call 01823 334244   
• Male Domestic Abuse Network (professional referrals): visit MDAN (Male Domestic Abuse Network): Services portal (opens new window)

People should always call 999 in an emergency.