A new toolkit to make domestic abuse refuges more accessible for blind and partially sighted people has been launched.

It has been designed by the Beacon Centre for the Blind in partnership with domestic abuse specialist and charitable housing association CHADD after research by Fight For Sight / Vision Foundation found that approximately 1 in 12 visually impaired individuals in the UK are believed to be victims of domestic abuse, totalling around likely 188,000 victims or survivors.

The research also found that less than one in five domestic abuse professionals have received specialised training to support blind or partially sighted individuals.

The newly launched toolkit, developed in collaboration with experts from both charities and those with lived experience of the issue, provides invaluable advice on how refuges can best support individuals with sight loss who need to access their services.

It contains practical tips and guidance on how refuges can make their facilities and services more inclusive and accessible.

Key features of the toolkit include:

• Advice on how refuges can adapt their physical environment to accommodate the needs of blind and partially sighted individuals.
• Tips for communicating effectively with individuals who are blind or partially sighted, including providing important information such as contact details in audio format.
• Guidance on training refuge staff to better understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with sight loss who are experiencing domestic abuse.

The toolkit has been distributed to local sight loss charities across the UK for dissemination to their nearest refuges. Additionally, it is available for download via the Beacon Centre's website, ensuring that it can be accessed in an emergency.

Funding for the project was provided by the Vision Foundation / Fight for Sight, which conducted the first research project into the scale of domestic abuse among the sight loss community in the UK.Lisa Cowley, Chief Executive at the Beacon Centre for the Blind, said:

"We are thrilled to launch this toolkit, which represents a significant step towards ensuring that domestic violence refuges are truly accessible for everyone.

"By equipping refuges with the knowledge and resources they need to support blind and partially sighted individuals, we can help break down barriers and ensure that all survivors of domestic abuse can easily access the assistance and care they deserve."

For more information or to download the toolkit, visit the Beacon Centre’s website.