Women’s refuge proposed for Walsall

A proposal has been submitted to Walsall Council planners to build a women’s refuge in the south of the borough featuring 13 en-suite bedrooms, offices, lounge, kitchen and a playroom.

Applicant Ramzan Sharif said Roshni, a charity that supports black, Asian and minority ethnic communities suffering from domestic violence, would operate the refuge should it be granted permission.

Planning agents PWA Planning said women who are subjected to crimes such as sexual assault, forced marriages and ‘honour’ based abuse will be given safety, confidence and independence.

As well confidential support, advice will also be given on issues such as immigration, housing, banking, registering with GPs, employment opportunities as well as counselling.

There will be a maximum of two members of staff, along with a children’s worker supporting residents in the refuge at any one time.

Roshni was established in 1979 and currently has a refuge in Birmingham. The charity said demand for services was on the rise.

In the application, it said: “Roshni was established in 1979 to provide emergency refuge accommodation to South Asian women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

“Addressing the needs of ethnic minorities is considered a priority in the Strategic Policy Statement for Walsall especially in view of the fact that 13.6 per cent of the population are mainly from Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi background.

“At present, there is no specialist refuge for south Asian victims of domestic abuse.

“We play a major role supporting the police as we are the only organisation supporting women irrespective of their immigration status while others either don’t support women with no recourse and those that do have a maximum of two they can support at one time.

“Without Roshni’s support many of these women would end up on the streets vulnerable to criminal activity or return to the perpetrators.

“Due to the fact that there is huge under provision of domestic violence services, Roshni is turning away five to seven women each week.

“Women are being placed in highly vulnerable housing situation, including hotels, where there is no consideration for their safety or preventing the risk of honour based abuse.”

The proposal is currently being considered by Walsall Council planning officers.