A REFUGE offering sanctuary to victims of domestic violence is opening in Darlington.

The refuge, which is at a secret location, will house up to seven families.

Each family will have their own unit in in the building, including two bedrooms and an en-suite bathroom.

As well as having access to a communal lounge and kitchen, each family will have a toaster and kettle in their unit so that they can prepare basic food.

Norma Town, secretary of the refuge, said: "The new refuge has much better facilities than the old one.

"Before, each family only had one bedroom, but now a woman with children can have her own room separate from her children.

"Although they have to come down to use the communal kitchen for meals, they will be able to make snacks and breakfast in their own unit."

There is a big demand for the hospice in Darlington, with women from outside the town also using its facilities.

Mrs Town said: "Unfortunately there is a big demand and the refuge is nearly always full.

"We take in women from Darlington, but also from places like Richmond and Catterick that do not have a facility.

"Sometimes women can not stay in their home town because their violent partners hunt them down. If this happens we can take in women from other towns or liaise to have women from Darlington housed elsewhere."

Women entering the refuge are asked to sign a three-month contract, but can leave before that, or in some circumstances stay longer.

Mrs Town said: "We will not throw someone on to the streets, but we do not want the women to become institutionalised as it makes it more difficult for them to cope when they have to get their own home."

Staff offer practical support to women, including pointing them in the right direction if they want counselling.

Mrs Town said: "If the women want to talk of course we will listen, but if they want formal help we will point them in the direction of Relate, who can give specialised help."

Women staying at the old refuge have already moved to the new building, which will be officially opened in June at a ceremony at Darlington Town Hall.