No refuge in Sunderland
Sunderland may become the first major UK city without any domestic violence refuges for women. Local charity Wearside Women in Need have been told by Sunderland council they will have their funding cut. The charity warns it won’t be able to continue running their four refuges, accommodating 173 women and 107 children. They also provide the only specialised service in the north east for black women and can provide accommodation for women with severe disabilities. Sunderland council has recently started a consultation with local residents ahead of setting plans for their budget. But the council...