Refuge for abuse victims over Christmas

1 in 4 women suffer domestic abuse and this year loads of mums and children have been spending their christmas in refuge centres across the West Midlands.

The Haven in Wolverhampton's been collecting presents to make christmas as normal as possible for the people staying there.

It's as we hear the number of cases of domestic abuse tends to go up over the festive period because of the stresses of christmas and often people try to stay together for the sake of their children.

Last year there were over 5 THOUSAND incidents of domestic violence reported to police in Wolverhampton.

Despite this, the Haven have been telling Heart they actually see a decrease in the number of women going to the refuge over Christmas.

Kath Rees, the Chief Executive of The Haven says:

'The Haven, Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum and West Midlands Police will continue to provide services over the festive period. For those who may be suffering at home we urge you to make that phone call'.