A new state-of-the art refuge for women and children affected by domestic abuse officially opened its doors in Glasgow today.

The £1.8m purpose built facility offers

• A secret location with the latest security features including digital access fobs and hi-tech security cameras.
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  Individual flats which can house up to eight women and sixteen children at any one time.
• A crèche for young children, enabling parents to get back into work if they wish.
• A play room for toddlers and young children.
• A games room with the latest gadgets and games consoles for older children.
• A therapeutic room offering counselling, as well as complementary therapies and massage.
• An outside playground, placed discreetly at the back of the building, unseen from the road.
• Two flats built to fully meet the needs of wheelchair users.
• Help from specialist support services to allow users to find permanent homes.

Visiting the facility today to mark the official opening, Minister for Housing and Communities Alex Neil said:"Domestic abuse must not be tolerated in any form.


"For these brave women - many with children - who pluck up the courage to leave abusive partners, it's vitally important that effective support is available to help them rebuild their lives.

"This new facility provides a safe haven and is a home that I hope women and children will find comfortable living in while they get help to get back on their feet."

A record £675m will be invested this year to support affordable housing development programmes and ensure facilities like the refuge and permanent affordable homes are readily available.

The Refuge is run by Drumchapel Women's Aid, one of 41 local groups affiliated to Scottish Women's Aid.

(GK/KMcA)