'We have an important role in keeping women and children safe' - New boss of Wolverhampton's Haven refuge on the task ahead

 From May 1 Laura Rogers will be taking the helm as chief executive of the body which provides refuges, safe houses, counselling and therapeutic support for victims and their children when relationships break down. 

Until recently she was based with West Midlands Police where she has been a leading expert in how to respond to high-risk domestic abuse cases for some six years as part of the region's multi-agency risk assessment conference. 

Already a familiar face at The Haven in Waterloo Road due to partnership working, she will be overseeing strategies and its vision for the future at a time when many charities are facing financial constraints. She said among her first tasks will be getting to know the teams and focus groups including survivors helped by the services it provides.

"Charities are being faced with challenges dominated by concerns over resources and austerity. As demand increases the impact of financial and economic challenges leads to increases in domestic violence and all these increases create massive pressure on resources.

"Despite these challenges there are some incredible groups and services working with great tenacity and drive. These people are not there for the salary, but for the response to domestic violence. Some services close and unfortunately there are less roles, yet there are some amazing volunteers out there and a real sense of camaraderie among groups. They will not let the challenges become a negative for victims.

"Interestingly, we are also seeing some new subsection groups opening up around gender and religion for example. So people are still trying to make help accessible as much as possible even though the charity sector is feeling less comfortable with funding.

"It's harder than ever. There are less services and longer waiting lists and all the time the dynamics of domestic violence are changing. The picture is bleak in that sense, but at the same time there is good support for those who need it."  

The mother-of-one, who grew up in Cambridgeshire, moved to the Black Country 11 years ago and lives in Sandwell. She previous experience working in sales in Asia and with domestic abuse specialist organisation Black Country Women's Aid, before joining the police.

“I’ve worked closely with The Haven for many years now and having been away from non-profit during my time in policing, joining the charity gives me a real sense of ‘coming home’. 

"Working with my new team, I’ll use my connections in Wolverhampton and beyond to drive meaningful action and change for the women and children affected by the trauma of abuse. Success comes only with collaboration and this is a key thread in how I work and the way The Haven will operate under my leadership.

"I am also thrilled The Haven has been officially recognised as a Women’s Aid Federation of England accredited organisation – a testament to the team's tireless commitment to making a positive impact, making now an incredibly exciting time to be joining them.

“I am excited for the journey ahead and what my leadership will bring. We have an important role to play in the safety and wellbeing of women and children, and we will amplify their voices at every opportunity so that they are heard and they have futures filled with possibility and positivity.

”It has provided services in the city to women and children affected by domestic abuse and homelessness for 52 years. Last year it supported more than 1,650 women and children in its safe accommodation and the community, and responded to more than 8,500 helpline calls, WhatsApp, and Live Chat messages."

Pamilerin Beckley, from The Haven, said: "We are excited to have Laura on board. We can't wait to see where this stage of the journey takes us. One of the things we're seeing a lot of is women coming to us with multiple needs. There are more women coming in with alcohol and drug issues which heightens the challenges.

"It's not just a roof that they need, but a more holistic response due to their addictions being coping mechanisms for what they're going through." 

The charity's previous chief executive Popinder Kaur stepped down last summer after 20 years in the role. 

The Haven was recently awarded the Women’s Aid National Quality Standard 2024-27 accreditation for its high quality services to women and children.