BOURNEMOUTH Women’s Refuge has been axed by BCP Council following “careful consideration”.
The refuge centre has been a safe place for victims of domestic abuse and violence and it’s understood it currently houses 20 women and 13 children.
Operated by the charity Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) with support and funding from BCP Council, the facilities also employ round-the-clock staff who will also lose their roles.
BCP Council said the closure, expected in July, is in line with government guidance and is “best practice” by an independent assessment of those facing homelessness.
A spokesman insisted the local authority’s priority is to provide accommodation and support to those fleeing from domestic abuse.
He said: “Government guidance and best practice identified by an independent assessment of those facing homelessness locally as a result of domestic abuse, recommends local authorities move away from traditional models of refuge provision where facilities are shared, to one of self-contained, safe accommodation with support provided.
“The decision to close the Bournemouth Women’s Refuge has been taken in line with this preferred model after careful consideration and review.
“Both BCHA and BCP Council, who have a long-established partnership, will continue to work together to ensure every individual and family affected receives the support and accommodation they need over the coming months, and the transition into alternative housing is as smooth as possible.”
One person close to the refuge, who asked to remain anonymous, slammed the closure, saying it is a “disgrace”, adding the people currently housed will “have nowhere to go”.
But the spokesman added the planned closure of the refuge will not affect the availability of other accommodation or the types of support services the charity and council offers.
He added: “BCHA staff affected by the closures are being supported through a period of consultation with the aim of deploying them into other roles within the organisation, while Poole Women's Refuge and other domestic abuse services run by BCHA and funded by BCP Council will continue to operate as usual.
“BCP Council have a planned programme of work in place to develop and procure new services for women fleeing domestic abuse.”
BCP Council was asked how much money the closure of the refuge will save the authority.
Home Office data shows 8,468 domestic abuse related crimes were recorded by Dorset Police in the year to March 2023.
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