THE number of women and children finding sanctuary from domestic abuse has almost doubled since a refuge opened in Darlington.

Over the past three months, 39 women and 69 children have sought shelter at the Darlington and District's Women's Refuge, which is run by Family Help.

The figures have soared since the charity relocated its refuge from a dated five-bedroom building to new premises with eight units and modern facilities in March.

The refuge, which is at a secret location, was praised at Family Help's annual meeting in Darlington Town Hall on Friday.

"The facilities have allowed us to provide considerably more relief to women, and their children, who have been gravely or persistently abused by the men they were living with," said the charity's manager, who asked to remain anonymous.

As well as having access to a communal lounge and kitchen, residents at the refuge have their own bedsit unit, with en-suite bathroom and a kettle and toaster.

Vulnerable families, from as far afield as Northallerton and Catterick can stay at the temporary accommodation, receiving continual support, for up to five months.

Darlington mother-of-two Val experienced living at both the old and the new building when she sought refuge for 12 weeks earlier this year.

She said the new building was better equipped.

"The refuge is not just a building, it is a network of support and friendship that will stay with me forever," she said.

"What I learned from being there is that this is me and no person has the right in any way to mentally, verbally or physically abuse me."

Family Help has also experienced a rise in the number of people calling the group's domestic violence helpline, with 1,146 women and 17 men accessing the service in the past year.

The charity said the rise in both cases was due to much greater awareness of domestic violence in the region because of out-reach programmes and publicity.

Family Help can be contacted on the helpline number (01325) 364486.