Jersey Women's Refuge Adopts New Name

Thursday, 19 October 2023 12:18

For the charity's 35th anniversary, it is changing its name to reflect its holistic approach to support.

Jersey Women's Refuge announced at an event to celebrate its milestone that it is changing its name to FREEDA: Free from Domestic Abuse.

As the island's only independent domestic violence charity, it wanted to show how it protects islanders fleeing violence.

FREEDA aims to free the island from domestic abuse through prevention, an increased understanding of the offence and raising awareness in the community.

The charity offers emotional support to victims and proactive support in the island whilst teaching schools, workplaces and those in work settings about the effects.

It can also provide professional assistance for financial abuse or legal advice from the in-house legal clinic.

Earlier in the year, FREEDA opened its new, larger safehouse, which is more spacious and has specialist facilities; along with a garden for children to play in.

It also announced that the Baillif, Sir Tim Le Cocq and Dr Karen Kyd, the Governor's wife, became patrons of the refuge.

FREEDA's CEO, Lisa Leventhal, says when Jersey Women’s Refuge was established 35 years ago, in the face of many barriers, it provided a fantastic and critically needed service for islanders.

"We are so incredibly proud to be providing support when women and children need it most, in the safehouse and in the community, but to also actively undertake work to educate and prevent abuse happening in the first instance.

"Jersey Women’s Refuge had organically developed, and we needed a brand that reflects the breadth of our work. FREEDA actively engages with the whole community, knowing that the conversation around domestic abuse must include all genders in order to make progress."