Council investigates refuge run by new provider after concerns raised by campaigners

Domestic abuse campaigners say a new refuge provider is failing victims, and is calling for investigations into their concerns to be made public.

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Brighton Rise Up! says it has been told by residents in the city’s refuge that it lacks specialist support for mothers with children and people with health issues.

The group also alleges the refuge’s flats were left without hot water and heating for eight days over winter.

And it is also concerned a domestic abuse advocacy post based at Royal Sussex County Hospital remains vacant despite council funding.

Brighton and Hove City Council says it is investigating their concerns.

The group, which was launched after Brighton-based domestic abuse support charity RISE lost its council contract to run a helpline and services last year, held a protest at the West Pier on Thursday (9 June).

It also plans to submit questions about refuge and domestic abuse services to the council’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture (TECC) Committee when it meets on Thursday, 16 June.

The city’s refuge services were taken over by national housing provider Stonewater last April, at the same time Victim Support took over running helplines and other specialist support.

The change from using RISE followed a joint commissioning of domestic abuse services by Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council.

Campaginer Ali Ceesay has attended council working group meetings discussing domestic abuse services and has heard from women in the refuge.

She said: “The conditions in the refuge are far worse than we ever thought they would be.

“I’ve been in working groups with women who are unfortunate enough to stay there, and the stories they’re coming out with are horrific.

“There is no specialist support to help with challenging behaviour around children. Also, stories about no hot water, heating or signposting.”

Ms Ceesay said the council needs to listen to women in the refuge and bring the services “home”.

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Campaigner Nicola Benge said Stonewater is based in the north of England and does not have “relevance” to the city or social investment to take ownership of the service.

She said: “We’re asking the council, the TECC Committee and the council’s working group to factor in the really important aspect of social value.

“The issue with having dual procurement processes with East Sussex County Council is they do not factor in the impact of all the things the pre-existing organisation RISE did.”