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# Ipswich domestic abuse charity expands services for vulnerable women
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-domestic-abuse-charity-expands-services-for-vulnerable-women/
- Published: 2025-04-01T08:16:21.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:16:27.000Z
- Description: P.H.O.E.B.E, the region's only specialist black and minoritised domestic abuse charity, has doubled its refuge capacity in Ipswich with the acquisition of a second property to support women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Third Sector, #article, Ellisons Solicitors, P.H.O.E.B.E, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The new property will significantly enhance the charity's ability to provide refuge and support services for women and children fleeing domestic violence, particularly those with insecure immigration status.

**The big picture:** P.H.O.E.B.E (Promotion of Health, Opportunity, Equality, Benevolence and Empowerment) was established by social workers from Zimbabwe and operates using a social work model to support domestic abuse survivors across Suffolk.

![A group of women gathered at P.H.O.E.B.E's premises in Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1743494633-phoebe-charity-centre-2022-2.jpg)

This acquisition doubles the charity's property holdings in Ipswich since purchasing its first property in early 2022 Photo: Emmie Scott

**The details:** The charity provides domestic abuse counselling, casework, immigration signposting and advocacy services, focusing specifically on increasing resource access for black and ethnic minority women and children.

**What they're saying:** "Black and minoritised women and children experience a chronic shortage of safe houses when faced with domestic abuse due to their insecure immigration status. Hence, this new safe space is crucial for women who are often left at high risk of harm," said Mollin Delve, Chief Executive Officer of P.H.O.E.B.E.

**Behind the scenes:** Ellisons' Commercial Property team, led by Bethan Williams with support from Harriet Smith, advised on the transaction, continuing the firm's relationship with the charity.

The purchase was made possible through grants from the Bluethread Trust, Coutts Charitable Trust, Lloyds Bank Foundation, Treebeard Trust and Tudor Trust.

[Bethan Williams](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/bethan-williams/), Partner at [Ellisons](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/ellisons/), said:

**The bottom line:** This expansion addresses a critical gap in support services for some of the most vulnerable women in the community, providing both immediate safety and ongoing assistance for those escaping domestic abuse.

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