A new safe place in Peterborough opens for domestic violence victims

The charity has tried to ensure it is a welcoming place to come

A charity which helps women who have been the victim of domestic violence is opening a new drop in-centre.

Peterborough Women's Aid has converted two houses in the city to give women somewhere to share their experiences.

The charity says its work is more vital than ever, having received 700 referrals last year, a 27% rise.

It wants the centre, called Anne's House, to give women "a safe place to come".

The community space includes lounges, an internet cafe, a prayer room and a free shop.

The project has been paid for with money from local charitable trusts, proceeds of crime funding, and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Mandy Geraghty, the charity's CEO, said: "The space is not a refuge but a place to get peer and specialist support and to make friends. We wanted it to be somewhere for women to come to feel safe.

"We are still seeing the consequences of the pandemic, where people didn't have anywhere to go to meet up.

"It can be really, really difficult. We just want to make people feel better in terms of their physical and mental health and to feel they are safe."

Anne's House is a space for women only, but the charity has a separate branch which helps male victims.

The new centre is named after a woman who has worked for Peterborough Women's Aid for 20 years.

A woman who has been helped by the charity said: "Anne's House will be a lifeline for victims of domestic abuse. Survivors like me will be able to connect with other women, feel safe and share our experiences. Anne's House has amazing facilities and it feels like a big hug!"