THE number of children seeking shelter with their mothers to escape domestic abuse in Darlington homes has reached a record over recent years.

Trustees and supporters of Family Help Darlington, which has helped thousands of abuse survivors for more than four decades, have heard that 81 children were supported with refuge accommodation between 2016 and 2017.

In a report produced by the refuge that was discussed during its AGM, it was revealed that 53 women were taken in during the same period, with more than 250 calls also made to the refuge helpline.

The rising number of families using the shelter, which provides home units and support for clients, also meant that 57 women and children could not be accommodated in Darlington and were signposted to other agencies.

The Family Help charity currently provides eight units, with two kitchens, a children’s playroom, computer room, communal lounge, laundry facilities and a garden with play equipment.

Within the report produced by trustees, it states: “Emotional and practical support is given to the client to empower them so they can make informed choices and find appropriate routes to safety and independent living.”

The report added: “Our central purpose is to enable women to change their own lives towards positive and safe outcomes, where they are free from violence and domestic abuse.

“The whole purpose of our work is to empower individuals using a person-centred approach.”

Between 2015 and 2016, 38 women and 49 children took shelter at the site.

The recent increase in demand for refuge comes as more women are being empowered to report domestic abuse with new laws being introduced concerning coercive and controlling behaviour.

During the refuge’s AGM held last week, Darlington Police’s safeguarding team confirmed that the force now deals with more reported cases of coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship which causes serious alarm or fear of violence.

Darlington Mayor, Councillor Jan Taylor, speaking at the AGM, said: “It’s a sad indictment that we have to have these sort of services, but it is something that has to be done year in and year out.

“Funding is an issue and other groups in the town are competing for it, but you’re still shouting and improving and providing an invaluable service for people in the area.”

For help from Family Help Darlington, call the refuge helpline on 01325-364486.