Accessing money can be difficult for women experiencing domestic abuse, particularly if they are experiencing financial abuse. We know that it can stop women from travelling to safety and can be a huge barrier to support. The Women’s Aid Rail to Refuge scheme means that survivors with a confirmed refuge space can travel for free across England, Scotland and Wales.
It was launched in the South of England in March 2020 with Great Western Rail and Southeastern after Darren O’Brien, a Southeastern Station Manager, watched a Dispatches documentary about Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid. From April 9th the cost of tickets has been covered by the Rail Delivery Group, and extends the scheme across all of Britian’s rail networks, until the end of March 2021.