Pearl House was officially opened on 11th January 2006 by Rt Hon. Meg Munn Mp, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality.

When a referral is identified as meeting the criteria for Pearl House, an interview will be offered to ensure suitability for the service. If the service cannot meet the needs of the women we will endeavour to support the women to access more appropriate services.

We accept self referrals as well as referrals from external agencies.

To make a referral to this or any of the other Haven services please call our 24 Hour Referral / Helpline on 01902 713001

One of the most devastating life events that can impact on a woman's mental health is the experience of violence and abuse. The stresses and anxiety which many people experience in an abusive relationship can be reflected in a range of emotional and psychiatric problems. Domestic Violence has consequences for a woman's physical and mental health.

Women are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms. Women who experience Domestic Violence are more likely than non-abused women to use mental health services, or report depressive symptoms. A refuge environment in itself can have a further detrimental effect on a woman's mental health.

Mental health problems are nearly four times more likely to occur amongst refuge residents compared to the general population. The Department of Health report on women and mental health - "Women into the mainstream", highlights the frequency with which experiences of violence and abuse lead to mental health problems. The report also points out that there is a distinct lack of services that respond effectively to this need.

As Domestic Violence is a significant factor in the development of mental ill health and physical ill health, The Haven Wolverhampton feels it has a duty to address this issue head on.

As the Women's Strategy Implementation Document points out, it is evident that women suffering Domestic Violence may also self harm, suffer from depression and in some cases receive a diagnosis of 'borderline personality disorder'. Although specific forms of mental distress may need to be addressed separately e.g. self harm, eating disorders, it is important to recognise their inter-relationship. The document goes on to say; 'There can be a tendency in the mental health system to make arbitrary divisions between them, which can result in the origins of women's health difficulties becoming obscured'.

More than 50% of women users of mental health services have experienced Domestic Violence, however questions about violence and abuse are not asked about or detected by mental health or other practitioners. Therefore services need to adopt sensitive exploration of abusive experiences and acknowledging their serious consequences for women's mental health. This is fundamental to the delivery of appropriate care. Many refuge organisations and outreach services already undertake mental health support work, which often goes un-recognised.

The majority of women who experience mental ill health are mothers. They therefore need tangible and sensitive support to continue to care for their children whilst exeperiencing mental health problems. Having a mental illness does not necessarily mean that a woman will be a bad mother. Therefore The Haven Wolverhampton was extremely keen to provide a high level of support to these women.

The Haven Wolverhampton aims to raise awareness amongst the Mental Health and Domestic Violence sectors. The Haven aims to achieve an interlinking nature between these two areas of work and look for positive and creative ways for us to work together and provide more effective services for Women and Children.

Michaila Tope, Head of Accommodation Services