A NEW refuge for victims of domestic abuse has opened in memory of Jane Clough who was murdered by her ex-partner.

Jane’s Place will offer accommodation for women who have additional complex needs.

Jane Clough, 26, from Barrowford, was repeatedly stabbed by her ex-partner Jonathan Vass outside Blackpool Victoria Hospital as she arrived at work in 2010.

The recovery refuge, run by SafeNet, is the first of its kind in the north to offer safe and secure temporary accommodation for women and children at risk of domestic abuse, who have additional complex needs such as mental or physical health needs, drug or alcohol issues, self-harming, offending behaviours, sex working, grooming, trafficking, or a combination.

The centre in East Lancashire has 15 apartments and opened on Friday.

A spokesman for SafeNet, which has helped more than 5,000 women since it opened in the 1970s, said: “Women with complex needs are often unable to stay at communal refuges, as their high level needs can impact on other families in refuge.

“SafeNet recognise the increased vulnerability and risk of serious harm and homicide that women and children face when additional complex needs are present.”

Jane’s parents John and Penny Clough have been tireless in campaigning for better services for domestic abuse victims.

Penny said: “It is a positive step. It is amazing that it has actually happened and that we have a complex needs refuge actually in Lancashire.

“People will be able to get support, care and safety where they could not get it before because of the complex needs issues.

“We now have this amazing purpose built facility with all the support services needed to help the most vulnerable domestic abuse victims.

“It is incredibly emotive. Jane would have absolutely applauded this.

“It is not just about keeping safe. It is about helping them to regain their health and wellbeing. That is what we strive to do as nurses.

“There’s a lot of dedication and hard work gone into making this happen and we want to say thank you to everybody who has contributed.”

She added she hopes this is the start and more of these services will open up across Lancashire and the rest of the country.