MONMOUTHSHIRE women suffering domestic abuse could soon be provided with a range of support services all under one roof if councillors give the go-ahead to a new centre today.

The council's cabinet is due to consider whether to sell a building in Monk Street, Abergavenny, to Women’s Aid in Monmouthshire and domestic abuse charity Llamau for use as a multi agency centre.

This would see a centre providing a range of services for women suffering domestic abuse including victim support, solicitors and citizen’s advice.

Support for children suffering from domestic abuse will also be provided.

It is estimated that the centre will provide help for more than 1000 women each year.

Women’s Aid Monmouthshire is the leading domestic abuse agency in Monmouthshire and provides practical and emotional support and information for women and children who have suffered domestic abuse.

Amy Kitcher, of Welsh Women’s Aid which represents women’s aid groups in the area said: “This centre will be a way of bringing the support for women suffering domestic abuse all under one roof as travelling to different areas can be difficult. It will be a one-stop shop for them.

“We are very pleased with the location and if this goes ahead it will be an new and innovative project for Monmouthshire.”

Women’s Aid Monmouthshire and Llamau have obtained a capital grant of £245,000 to put towards purchasing the building which is currently estimated at being sold for around £180,000. Extra internal and external works as well as new fixings and fittings would then need to be paid for.

There are currently Welsh women’s aid centres in Monmouth, Newport, Torfaen and Caerphilly.

The Argus reported in June this year that Blaenau Gwent’s first women’s refuge is set to open within the next two years after Blaenau Gwent was the only authority in Wales without a dedicated refuge or safe house for victims of domestic abuse.