Preston Domestic Violence Services

Working to end domestic violence

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Preston Domestic Violence Services P.O.Box 262, Preston  PR1 4DZ
Registered charity (number 1061953) / company limited by guarantee (number 3289949).
E: enquiries@pdvs.org.uk   Helpline: 01772 201 601
Site designed and implemented by Preston Domestic Violence Services

Audrey Wise House, Preston's new £2.3m women's refuge, will open its doors to new residents on Monday 8th February.

We worked in partnership with the Contour Housing Group and Preston City Council. We also approached local businesses and secured the funding to fully furnish one of the flats from Community Gateway Housing. (Thank you!)

The purpose-built refuge will replace Preston Domestic Violence Services existing homes.

Previously women had to share one bedroom with their children and the rest of the facilities were communal. Now, each flat is self-contained meaning each family has their own kitchen, bathroom and lounge. This enables us accommodate teenage boys and women with high support needs, which we were unable to do before. One flat has also been specially adapted to accommodate a wheelchair physically disabled woman or child.

The new refuge is unique in Lancashire and has a communal/therapy lounge, training room and a one-to-one interviewing room. There is also a play area and garden which will be equipped with outdoor play equipment.

Security at the refuge is a top priority, to help reassure women and children living in fear of violence from ex-partners. CCTV will monitor the entire building and a secure door entry system. The refuge will be staffed 24 hours a day and anyone entering or leaving the building will have to walk through reception.


The new refuge is to be named after Audrey Wise (MP), in recognition of her hard work for women in general and Domestic Violence in particular.   Audrey Wise supported Preston Women’s Refuge from the outset and was guest speaker at the first Annual General Meeting in 1995.