A HOUSING association has announced that it will work with a domestic abuse project to open a safe house in Basingstoke to help people move on from domestic violence.

Sentinel Housing Association will join forces with the Hampshire Making Safe Scheme, and has announced its plans during the 16 Days of Action against domestic violence, which starts today.

The national campaign aims to raise public awareness of the frequency and impact of domestic violence and to highlight the work that organisations are undertaking to prevent violence and support victims.

Sentinel will open five homes in Hampshire, including one in Basingstoke.

Julie Porter, assistant director - development delivery at Sentinel Housing, said: "We offer a range of support to help people suffering from domestic abuse and are really pleased that we're able to help even further as part of this project.

"We're working with local authorities in east Hampshire, Basingstoke, Hart, Havant and Rushmoor to provide a two bedroom safe home in each area for those who suffer from domestic abuse.

"We believe that making people safe in our communities is really important, and we're proud to be giving additional support to some of our most vulnerable customers."

Statistics show that 25 per cent of women and 16 per cent of men are affected by domestic violence during their adult lifetimes.

Even more shocking is that two women on average are killed each week by their partner or ex-partner in England and Wales.

The safe houses will be part of the wider Hampshire Making Safe Scheme, which is funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, using funds of £905,000 along with match funding from the councils.

They will offer support to people who have experienced domestic violence.

Kirsty Jenkins, the project coordinator for the Hampshire Making Safe Scheme, said: "It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to work with a range of partners to get the ball rolling on a complex project of this scale. We’re thrilled that Sentinel is working with us on the project, to provide the much needed family sized homes across Hampshire.

"We’ve got families who’ve been living in shared accommodation in refuges across Hampshire who are now ready to move into the community, where they can be supported by a team of outreach workers.”