By Mark Metcalf
The heroic women who opened the UK's first refuge for domestic violence victims 50 years ago could never have envisaged it would lead to a nationwide network of secret locations that annually help thousands of women seeking to rebuild their lives free of their abusers.
It was on 3 November 1971 that the first refuge opened. Its spokeswoman was Erin Pizzey, who had opened a social centre near her home in Chiswick. This changed dramatically when a badly bruised woman arrived with her children saying no one could help her.
Chiswick Women’s Aid, now known as Refuge, was born. Discreet notices were put in newspapers telling victims they and their children could receive help. Many did.
Big Issue North was a weekly magazine sold by people who have limited other ways of earning an income in the north of England. Staff now contribute weekly content to The Big Issue, supporting vendors in the north, and run Street News.