Vital new refuge provision for Asian women and children experiencing domestic violence in Stoke was launched today by Baroness Scotland, Minister for State. The announcement came at a Refuge conference held in Stoke-on-Trent where issues which impact on the daily lives of Asian women in the UK, such as forced marriage and crimes in the name of 'so-called' honour, were addressed. Deputy Chief Constable David Swift from Staffordshire Police said "we see too many cases of Asian women not knowing who to turn to for help, but this news should help women access the support they need."

Launching the new services Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland said: "I am delighted to be here today to announce this new refuge provision in Stoke. Domestic violence is an horrific crime that has devastating effects on both victims and their children who witness it. One in four women will suffer domestic violence in their lifetime, and victims tend to suffer repeated attacks - on average 35 assaults - before they seek any help. Sadly domestic violence is a very real issue for many Asian women and children. It is essential that victims know that there is help and support available to them provided by a team who understand the cultural complexities Asian women and children face. I hope many women will reach out and get the help they need and deserve."

Baroness Scotland was one of several high-profile speakers at the Refuge conference including Heather Harvey from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Jasvinder Sanghera, Refuge Asian Affairs Manager, who has recently been awarded the Asian Woman of Achievement Social and Humanitarian Award.

Sandra Horley, OBE, Chief Executive of Refuge said: 'We are delighted to open these new vital services in Stoke which sadly will be over-subscribed within days. Domestic violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in this country. On any one day Refuge supports 900 women and children who have experienced domestic violence and with the launch of new refuges like these we hope to help more. Every woman and child has a right to live a life free from violence.'

ABOUT REFUGE

Refuge is the national charity for women and children who experience domestic violence. Refuge is the UK's largest single provider of specialist accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence. Refuge runs the Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, 0808 2000 247, in partnership with Women's Aid.

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