A women’s refuge that has operated for 150 years is appealing for public donations as it faces the prospect of closure due to severe funding difficulties. Salisbury Women’s Refuge in Wiltshire provides vital support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse from across the UK, offering safety and stability at moments of extreme vulnerability.
For the past three years, the refuge has operated without dedicated domestic abuse funding and has relied solely on basic housing benefit received in its role as a landlord. This prolonged lack of sustainable funding has placed the organisation under significant financial strain, threatening the continuity of its services.
The refuge offers secure accommodation for up to 12 women or families at any one time and is staffed by a team of eight, supported by volunteers. Alongside housing, it provides one-to-one guidance, counselling, therapy, and practical assistance with court proceedings and housing issues, helping women rebuild their lives after leaving abusive situations.
Women supported by the refuge come from a wide range of backgrounds and are often forced to leave their homes with very few possessions. Referrals can be made directly by individuals or through agencies such as the police, social services, and housing departments. Many arrive after escaping situations that are severe, traumatic, or life-threatening.
In addition to supporting survivors of domestic abuse, the refuge also assists individuals affected by honour-based violence, female genital mutilation, and forced marriage. Its work focuses on helping women regain a sense of normality, safety, and the confidence to re-engage with society.
The organisation has set a fundraising target of £20,000 to enable it to continue operating in the coming months. Early public response has provided short-term relief, securing the refuge’s immediate future for a limited period, but longer-term funding remains essential to ensure the stability of support for both service users and staff.
