Men's domestic violence refuge opens in Flintshire Published duration 9 June 2016

image copyright Thinkstock image caption Domestic abuse 'affects everyone'

The first north Wales refuge for men fleeing domestic abuse has opened in Flintshire.

It is only the second men's refuge to open in Wales, with the other in Monmouthshire.

The two-bed, £35,000 pilot facility will open for 12 months initially.

As well as emergency safe accommodation, men will be able to access legal advice, specialist counselling and therapeutic group work.

The project, run by the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU), was created in "direct response" to victims.

Both the building and funding have been provided by the Wales and West Housing Association and Flintshire council.

DASU already manage a refuge for women.

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, said: "Domestic abuse can affect anyone and it's fantastic to know there is practical help in Flintshire now for victims of both sexes."