A NEW refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence has opened its doors – and a special cabaret evening is set to raise money for the centre.

The Friends of the Refuge, which is part of the Crisis and Information Centre, are hosting the free event at Bridport Arts Centre on Sunday, November 19. It takes place from 6pm to 7.30pm. 

Katie Bielec service manager at Dorset You First Domestic Violence and Abuse Service will give a short presentation about her work and there will an opportunity to ask questions. 

Committee members Ros Kayes, Margie Savory, Gill Smith, Karen MacKay and Amanda Streatfield will also take the opportunity to explain how the Friends support the residents of the centre.

Margie Savory, the treasurer of the committee said: “Our priorities are to raise funds for essential items for residents such as child care and travel expenses for court appearances; provide basic toiletries and food stuffs for new arrivals; and, particularly at this time of year, make Christmas a celebration for the women and children living there. When you look at the statistics, and know each year an estimated 1.9m people in the UK suffer some form of domestic abuse, and a woman is killed every two days by a partner or ex partner it becomes an issue that cannot be ignored.”

The entertainment will consist of live music by Crème Brulee. 
Band leader and violinist Denise Buchanan said: “We formed especially to perform at the cabaret evening.

“We want to show our support of this important service for victims of domestic abuse, and have chosen appropriate songs on the theme of relations between lovers.” 

Members of the band are Jill Downs on percussion, Nicki Meaken on base and Hazel Williams guitar and vocals.

Lucy Goodison was asked to write a new play for the evening, which will be performed by Cartoon Action Theatre, on the theme of Punch and Judy, but with a contemporary alternative twist. Miles Bell, Rebecca Hilton, John Duff and John Hartung, regular members of the Cartoon Action theatre, said they are pleased to have this opportunity to address this important and timely subject. 

Everyone is welcome, and asked to please bring a donation and/or a gift for one of the residents or their children – to cover all ages. The Friends also hope to make up Christmas hampers for the residents, so if the audience could alternatively bring Christmas fare for the hampers, it would be greatly appreciated. Free canapés will be on offer, and the Arts Centre Bar will be open for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 

If you hope to attend, or would like to make a donation or find out how to help, please email friendsofwestdorsetrefuge@gmail.com