FREE BUS tickets are being handed out to those fleeing domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.
National Express West Midlands is working with Women’s Aid organisations across the region to help people escaping abusive relationships by getting them to a safe refuge.
The Ride to Refuge scheme is modelled on the train operators’ Rail to Refuge scheme, which has helped over a thousand people since March 2020.
Sally Dennis of Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid said: “We are so pleased to be working alongside National Express to support women and children escaping domestic abuse with free travel to refuge.
“Abusers use financial control to stop women being able to leave and seek support, forcing women and children to flee with very few possessions and little if any money.
“Not having to worry about finding travel costs is one less barrier to women and children finding safety.”
Any woman seeking support around experiences of domestic abuse, including the Ride to Refuge scheme, can contact Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid on 0808 800 0028 or in an emergency call the police on 999.
The number of survivors of domestic abuse asking for help has soared during the pandemic.
