A LIFELINE has opened in Blackburn for women experiencing domestic violence.

The Wish Centre in Cardwell Place, run by Blackburn and Darwen Women's Aid, is the area's first drop-in and advice centre for women in violent relationships.

It will complement the Blackburn refuge, which has been providing emergency accommodation for up to five families at a time for the last six years, and the local telephone helpline, which took calls from 517 women last year.

Centre worker Jackie Mary Clegg said: "We felt there was a need for a drop-in facility and advice service because a lot of women find it beneficial to stay at home and sort their problems out, rather than having to gather everything up and move to another town.

"That can be disorientating for the kids and very traumatic."

Women can call at the centre for practical advice on matters such as benefits or housing, or just to chat to someone who understands what they are going through."

A self-help support group will meet every Wednesday from 10am to noon, run in conjunction with the NSPCC, and there will be a free, confidential counselling service available.

Staff will also arrange temporary accommodation if necessary. Other services will be developed according to the needs of the women who visit the centre.

Jackie Mary stressed women who went to the centre would not be judged by the workers - even if they decided to return to an abusive partner.

But she said she hoped they would be able to help many women make a fresh start.

"We are here to empower women and give them support to make decisions and move on in their lives," she said.

"I want women to come here and look at training, jobs, and all the opportunities that are open to them, so they are able to move on to an independent life."

A play dealing with domestic violence, called Breaking the Silence, was presented at the centre to an audience of women from across the borough.

The Wish Centre will be officially opened by Blackburn MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw on March 6.

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