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Phillipson, who managed a women's refuge before becoming an MP, said it was important that "women – especially those who have experienced male violence, sexual violence and trauma – are able to access safe, therapeutic spaces" while ensuring that "everyone in our society is treated with dignity and respect".

She moved into a women's refuge and the children moved with her.

When her parents separated for good, she started living with her mother, at first in a women’s refuge.

The Welcome Organisation's chairperson Jude Whyte said the charity was using a women's refuge as a "make shift" drop-in centre during the day instead of its former premises.

Self-identification has become an increasingly controversial topic, with some feminists saying it endangers women in single-sex spaces, such as women's refuge centres, changing rooms and bathrooms.