 Refuge's 35th birthday
2006 marked thirty five years since Refuge set up the world's first refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence in Chiswick in 1971. It was opened at a time when nobody talked about domestic violence and abuse remained firmly behind closed doors. Women and children flocked to the first refuge because, for the first time, someone was saying it was wrong to beat your partner. What had gone on for centuries behind closed doors was at last being challenged. Since then, Refuge has grown to become the largest provider of emergency accommodation and emotional and practical support to women and children in the country and the leading voice in the campaign to end domestic violence. Refuge's 35th birthday was a huge milestone and Refuge celebrated the thousands of women and children we have supported in this time and all the women and children we will support in the future. For more information about Refuge's 35 year history click here In celebration of Refuge's 35th birthday, a moving poem has been written by Judge The Poet: Refuge Family should be a blessing, not a curse; Living in comfort and never in dread. “Home is where the hurt is”, “Home Harsh Home”: These are cruel words that should never be said. We all hopefully cling to this loving dream. For many, things are not as they should seem. The dream is shattered. A nightmare ensues With partners who choose to hurt and abuse. When you hear of victims of domestic violence, The cold statistics defy all reason, each sense. Two women die every week. Do you care? 90% of the time, the children are there. Thirty-five years ago, out in London’s west, Some brave people rose up to face this test: Against unspoken tragedy they made a firm stand, Offering respite and refuge. A true helping hand. Now hundreds every day, thousands each week, Have a place to go and a chance to speak. REFUGE has the required skill and expertise To guide women and children from pain to ease. Attitudes alter slowly. Much is still to be done. Changing minds and saving lives – one by one. Through research, counselling and awareness campaigns, REFUGE will prevent so much tragedy and pain. But your funding is needed for every section Of these aims: Provision, Prevention and Protection. By supporting all the vital work of REFUGE, The difference you can make is simply huge. Let us take this chance to break down the mystery. Together, we’ll consign these problems to ancient history. By being REFUGE’s generous partner and friend, You can help to make the nightmare end… For more information on how you can help click here.
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