Solace Women’s Aid opens centre for attack victims in Islington

Published: 10th December, 2010
by TERRY MESSENGER

A CHARITY which cares for victims of rape and domestic violence is opening a centre in Islington to deal with an increased number of attacks against women.

Solace Women’s Aid is expanding its service to cope with a 30 per cent rise in reported cases of rape in London.

Labour MP Emily Thornberry officially opened the new building, where women can find shelter and receive counselling.

The MP for Islington South and Finsbury said: “It’s an honour to open this facility, which provides such vital support to women and their children.”

Solace director Mary Mason added: “The centre will provide a safe place for women. The increase in sexual crime figures is significant and we want women to come forward and be supported.”

Victims contacting Solace will be referred to refuges where they can stay with their children if their situation is judged to be sufficiently serious. The charity, which provides “floating support in the community”, quoted one woman it had helped as saying: “Without you, no one would believe me.”

Staff speak a range of languages, including Bengali, Kurdish, Turkish and Somali.

The service is opening in time for the Christmas party season when “rape allegations will increase dramatically as alcohol consumption rises for both sexes”.

Solace has helped 4,000 women and children across London in the past year.

Women victims of sexual and violent abuse can ring the Solace helpline on 0808 802 5565 to make appointments.