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A NEW facility has opened in Caversham to support women in contact with the criminal justice system.
Advance’s Women’s Centre is open to women across Berkshire and provides a place to come together, share, inspire and empower each other.
Since the charity started, it has opened nine community women’s centres across the south and east of England, and helps 2,7000 women each year. It works alongside other bodies in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Greater London.
Advance’s chief executive, Niki Scordi, said: “From our work with thousands of women each year, we know that prison is not the right place for most women who commit non-violent offences: for as little as failing to pay her TV licence, a woman can lose her home, her job, and her children.
“At least 6 out of 10 of these women are survivors of domestic abuse. That is as cruel as it is unjust. For decades, Advance has worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for women
and their families who find themselves caught in the ‘revolving door’ of the criminal justice system, helping them to change their lives and break the cycle of offending.”
Women are referred to the centre by probation services and other partners, and are supported through all their needs, including domestic abuse, accommodation, education and training, substance recovery, mental health and emotional well-being.
Through the centre’s specialist support, led by and for women, service users have access to a vital alternative to custody, which recognises that women in the criminal justice system have very different needs to men.
Female offending is more often than not linked to experiences with domestic abuse, with 57% of women in prison and under community supervision report being victims of domestic abuse. The true figure is likely to be higher, as many women fear disclosing abuse.
Caroline Phillips, Advance service manager Thames Valley, said: “We are delighted to be opening our new Women’s Centre in Reading. We are proud to have created a calm, safe, welcoming space for women to come along, meet with our advocates and be involved in events and activities with other women.
“Women have welcomed the new centre, with one saying, ‘I felt relaxed as soon as I walked through the door.’ When the first woman came through our doors, the biggest smile broke out on her face.”
For more information, visit: www.advancecharity.org.uk
