A victim of domestic violence has praised a refuge for turning her life around.

Paula Wagon was speaking at the reopening of the centre in Canterbury after a refurbishment.

She stayed at the centre in 2001 and said it turned her life around.

“I didn’t really realise there were refuges available,” she said. “I came here through social services because I was going to hand my children in and top myself, but I got a place and it was my lifeline.”

The centre even inspired Paula to go to college and complete a degree.

She added: “They had art groups and through that the tutors that came here advised me to go to art college, which I did.

“I’m just so grateful for the place. It was the lowest point for me and I couldn’t see it getting better, but coming here made it so much better for me and my children.”

The refuge now has 12 self-contained flats as well as better facilities to help provide therapy and children’s services.

Jack Warren, chief executive of Casa Support, part of Amicus Horizon, said it had made the changes to ensure women and their families got the very best care.

He said: “We are committed to service improvements and so it was really just to offer women self-contained accommodation and better quality of accommodation.

“People come here for a period of respite and the support of our staff over a period of perhaps six or up to 24 months while they get their life back together.”

The centre provides different classes to help women get back on their feet, as well as therapy and counselling.

It is hoped such help will break the cycle of returning to violent partners and give victims the confidence to fully break free and move on with their lives.

The service has been open for 25 years and deals with about 18 to 20 women each year.

Click here for more information about Casa Support and its work>>>