Rail to Refuge for those Fleeing Domestic Abuse

In April, Broadwindsor.org posted that since Lockdown, calls re: domestic abuse had increased by 50%.  There has been a huge increase in demand for Women’s Aid services and in March the Rail Delivery Group were quick to respond to women’s needs and launched a temporary, nationwide scheme, ‘Rail to Refuge’.
Women escaping domestic abuse are usually advised to seek refuge services far away from their perpetrator. However, for many women, raising the cash to pay for a train ticket can be very difficult. This is especially true for women experiencing economic abuse, who may have no access to cash.

It’s certainly worth mentioning:
“Covid-19 does not cause domestic abuse, only abusers are responsible for their actions.”

How does the scheme work?

1. A survivor reaches out for support to Women’s Aid*.
2. Once a refuge vacancy has been confirmed, the survivor will be informed.
3. Now that the survivor has a confirmed refuge space, the refuge can book a ticket for the survivor so they can travel for free.
4. After booking the ticket, the refuge can send the ticket and collection details to the survivor via a mobile phone. The survivor can then pick the ticket up from the station using any debit or credit card; they can travel like normal, on a normal ticket, without having to declare the ticket was free or that they are fleeing from domestic abuse.
5. After Lockdown, Rail to Refuge will continue on Southeastern and Great Western Rail networks.

   *Their LIVE CHAT operates:
   Monday to Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm,
   Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-12:00pm
   or you can email them on: helpline@womensaid.org.uk. (They say they will respond to your email within 5 working days).

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical, but it is always abuse and just as high risk as physical violence. To read more on what constitutes Domestic Abuse – Click HERE.

If you need to talk to someone – the following support is available by telephone:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 – www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ (run by Refuge)
The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123

#StaySafe #SocialDistancing #RailToRefuge #WomensAid #DomesticAbuse