Nick Gibb visited Amber House in New Road, Littlehampton, following its official opening on Monday 23 October.
The House was purchased to be a refuge for women who have suffered or are in danger of suffering domestic abuse. The premises are not secret as the aim is to try to resolve the issues between the partners in the relationship while also providing a safe haven.
Amber House has 5 bedrooms. It also has a drop-in Centre.
The refuge is run by the charity, Safe in Sussex, which has refuges in Worthing and Horsham as well as Littlehampton. The charity’s trustees are chaired by Tracie Church with 6 trustees, including Jill Long (pictured).
Nick Gibb said: “Safe in Sussex has transformed this house into a beautifully decorated and comfortable temporary home for women seeking a refuge from the danger of domestic abuse. No-one should have to suffer the threat of violence in their own home and this charity works hard to protect women who are facing such a crisis. But the charity also seeks to resolve relationship problems with a hope that the family can be kept together in the long run, if that is the safe thing to do.”
Photo: Sharon Howard (chief executive of Safe in Sussex), Jill Long (trustee), Nick Gibb