Reflect: Domestic Abuse Awareness – the Change Project
The charity “the Change Project” has been delivering Respect accredited domestic abuse perpetrator programmes since 2009. Through the behaviour change of the abuser they aim to increase the wellbeing of people who are or have been living with conflict or domestic abuse.
Find out more about how The Change Project offers help to those who abuse, or are subject to domestic abuse, by visiting the link below.
https://www.thechange-project.org/
Travel to Refuge programme – Free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse
Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. It’s made up of two schemes:
- Rail to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and the Rail Delivery Group, set up in April 2020, providing free rail travel for survivors of abuse.
- Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse.
Donate today to help survivors access the lifesaving support they need and help them reach refuge.
How does the scheme work?
A survivor reaches out for support from a domestic abuse service which is a member of Women’s Aid Federation of England, Imkaan, Scottish Women’s Aid, Welsh Women’s Aid or Respect Men’s Advice Line.
If appropriate, the survivor will be referred to a refuge and will be informed once a refuge vacancy has been confirmed.
The refuge books a free train or coach ticket for the survivor.
The refuge can send the ticket and collection details to the survivor via a mobile phone. The survivor can then either use an e-ticket or text sent to their mobile phone, pick the ticket up from the station using any debit or credit card or the refuge can request the ticket via post and provide to the survivor in person. They can travel like normal, without having to declare the ticket was free or that they are fleeing from domestic abuse.
If you are experiencing abuse, we are here for you
We know asking for help isn’t easy. But if you think you’re in an abusive relationship, reaching out for support can be an important first step. Services are fully trained and can give you a confidential space to explore your options and make safe decisions. You may be referred to a refuge and Rail to Refuge could help you get there.
