Watson Ramsbottom were pleased to attend two events held last week in recognition of Safenet Domestic Abuse Service celebrating 40 years of keeping domestic abuse victims and survivors safe.

On Monday, Burnley MP Julie Cooper held a reception at the House of Commons to help raise awareness of the important work done by Safenet to support victims of domestic abuse, and also to highlight the work of ‘Jane’s Place’ a new domestic abuse recovery refuge for victims with more complex needs including mental health problems and drug and alcohol abuse. ‘Janes Place’ is one of only a handful in the country and as a result most abuse victims with additional needs are unable to access safe refuge places and are left at risk of serious injury and homicide.  ‘Jane’s Place’ is named after Jane Clough – a local A and E nurse who was murdered after being stabbed 71 times by her ex partner in the car park at Blackpool Hospital in 2010 whilst he was on bail for several counts of rape.

(Rachel Horman is pictured at the House of Commons event with Karen Ainsworth (Safenet Chair), Lord Taylor, Sir Keir Starmer MP, Penny Clough and Julie Cooper MP)

The Safenet Ruby Charity Ball also took place at Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa at which funds were  raised for Safenet Children’s Services and the 40 year anniversary was celebrated.

Watson Ramsbottom have a long standing relationship with Safenet and refuges across the region working together to help and support victims of domestic abuse. WR Director Rachel Horman, Head of Domestic Abuse, Stalking & Harassment has been a member of the Safenet board for many years and attended the events along with WR colleagues who have also been working to assist the refuge this coming winter by collecting advent calenders for the children and winter coats to be made available for any victims who seek emergency refuge without their belongings.

Rachel said “Safenet’s work is absolutely critical for many domestic abuse victims and through fantastic initiatives such as Jane’s Place provide life saving services for extremely vulnerable women”

Safenet has an ongoing need for donations of clothes (for women, men and children), toys, hygiene items, food, bedding, and towels and even modest financial donations can make a difference. To find out more about donating to Safenet please click here.

For legal help or assistance with any issue relating to domestic abuse, stalking or harassment, forced marriage or other family law issue please contact Rachel Horman or complete our online contact form.

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