WOMEN who have taken the brave step to try and escape domestic violence will soon be looked after in a new purpose-built refuge in Blackburn.

A launch party is being held tonight to celebrate the completion of the new building, which will cater for five families from within the Blackburn and Darwen area.

Staff and clients at the current refuge, which cannot be identified for confidentiality reasons, will move into the new centre, which has cost around £500,000, at the end of November.

Elaine Cairns, a member of the management committee, said: "It is quite innovative in that it has five separate units of accommodation providing more privacy and independence. In the current refuge it is like one big house with five bedrooms.

"The launch was organised so we could say thankyou to all the people who have helped us over the 15 years the refuge has been running."

The launch dinner, to include entertainment from local group Gone Beggin, will be attended by Darwen and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson, Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Mike Barrett and his wife Moira.

Some survivors of domestic violence who have made new lives for themselves will also be at the launch.

The refuge also offers counselling and advice.

The new building has been funded through Blackburn with Darwen Council and the New Leaf Housing Association, in Preston New Road, Blackburn.