Mental health problems are nearly four times more common among hostel residents than in the general population and 1 in 5 homeless people have severe mental health problems. Those problems are likely to have played a significant part in the circumstances, which caused that person to become homeless. The Department of Health Document 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 document also points out that there are a 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 feels it has a duty to address this issue head on.

As the women's Strategy Implementation Document points out, that it is evident women suffering Domestic Violence, may also self-harm, and have depression and who may be also given a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. There may be more between these symptoms than divides them in that they are all secondary symptoms of primary distress in lives and experiences of women suffering Domestic Violence.

Although specific forms of mental distress 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 origin of women's mental health difficulties becoming obscured.'
More than 50% of women users of mental health service have experienced Domestic Violence. Histories of violence and abuse are very common among women users of mental health services. Violence and abuse are not asked about or detected by mental health or other practitioners and women are rarely asked about their experiences. Services need sensitive exploration of abusive experiences and addressing, their serious consequences for women's mental health are fundamental to the delivery of appropriate care. Many refuge organisations and outreach services already undertake mental health support work, which often go un-recognised.

The majority of women who have mental ill health are mothers and they need tangible and sensitive support to continue to care for their children while they are experiencing mental health problems. Having mental illness does not necessarily mean that the women are not going to be good parents, therefore furthering the need for the development and support of The Havens New Women's Hostel 'Pearl House'. We are working in partnership with Focus Housing and developing a refuge to support women suffering mental ill health as a result of Domestic Violence. The Refuge will have 10 family units including a disabled unit, with communal non-smoking and smoking lounges, kitchens, and a large play room, there will also be rooms for therapeutic activity and counselling. We have secured capital and revenue funding for the development of 'Pearl House' and we are on track for Focus Housing to commence the development on site soon.

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

(Refuge Services Manager)