Those fleeing domestic abuse can now access refuges by rail anywhere in Britain.

From today, people fleeing domestic abuse anywhere in Britain during the coronavirus lockdown can apply for free train travel to refuge accommodation, through a partnership between train companies and Women’s Aid. 

The commitment from rail companies comes as campaigners report a rise in requests for help from victims of domestic abuse since coronavirus lockdown measures came into force. Between 26th March and 1st April, Women’s Aid experienced a 41% increase in users visiting their Live Chat site, compared to the previous week. The Women’s Aid COVID-19/Coronavirus advice page for survivors has had 27K page views since its launch.  

In brief

The commitment from rail companies comes as campaigners report a rise in requests for help from victims of domestic abuse since coronavirus lockdown measures came into force. Between 26th March and 1st April, Women’s Aid experienced a 41% increase in users visiting their Live Chat site, compared to the previous week. The Women’s Aid COVID-19/Coronavirus advice page for survivors has had 27K page views since its launch.  

The ‘Rail to refuge’ scheme was first introduced by Southeastern in 2019. The initiative was proposed by one of the train operator’s station managers, Darren O’Brien, after he watched a Dispatches documentary about Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid. Train operator GWR joined the ‘Rail to refuge’ scheme last month as part of its celebration of International Women’s Day at the beginning of March.  

↓ CONTINUES AFTER AD ↓

Already, these schemes have helped a number of people, and their children, escape domestic abuse and begin a new life away from their perpetrator. 

People escaping domestic abuse are usually advised to seek refuge services at a considerable distance from their perpetrator, but for many, raising the cash to pay for a train ticket can be very difficult. This is especially true for people experiencing economic abuse, who may have no access to cash. 

The ‘Rail to refuge’ scheme aims to remove this barrier by offering free train tickets for women or men, and their children, to travel to a recognized refuge. From today, survivors can access the tickets through the member services of Women’s Aid Federation of England, Welsh Women’s Aid, Scottish Women’s Aid and Imkaan, once they have received an offer of a refuge place. Members of these organisations can book the tickets via a bespoke booking system for the people they are referring to, or receiving in, their refuge accommodation. 

↓ CONTINUES AFTER AD ↓

Nicki Norman, Acting Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said:   

“Free train travel for women fleeing to refuge anywhere in the country could not come at a more important time. It could be lifesaving for countless women and children and we are delighted by the announcement today.  

“During the pandemic, women and children trapped with a perpetrator are incredibly vulnerable as the lockdown has already shut down common routes to safety and support. When you pair this with the increased economic uncertainty being experienced by many, escaping abuse is more difficult than ever but we hope that this initiative can help those most in need.”