Victims of domestic violence will now have a more rural setting to go to in time of need.

The City of Melfort opened their shelter to serve the north east area of the province, which will be run by North East Outreach and Support Services (NEOSS).

Hayley Kennedy is the Executive Director of PARTNERS Family Services here in Humboldt.

She talks about how having the shelter in Melfort will help victims.

"Having the shelter open in Melfort has been a fantastic option available for women and children who are leaving domestic violence situations because they are able to access a shelter that's more familiar with a more rural setting. Going to a shelter in any point when leaving family violence is exceptionally challenging for women and their children, but even more so challenging because of the unique experiences of women in family violence in rural settings."

Kennedy says demand for these shelters is on the rise.

"Over the last 6 months, we just took a look at the work we've done here, and we've seen a 300% increase in the first 6 months of this year versus last year, and the number of transportation's we've done for women leaving domestic violence. That's a huge increase for us, and while not all of that work has been done along side NEOSS, a lot of it has been."

Kennedy explains location is key for shelters of this nature.

"Humboldt is in a unique situation in that where we can access shelters in Regina, anywhere in the Province. But having something close by like what's in Melfort, who are also familiar with the resources women and families can access within our Humboldt area, has been an absolutely huge asset."

The facility has 16 beds in 7 rooms, as well as a common dining area, kitchen, and play areas for kids.

Hear more from Hayley Kennedy, as she spoke with Bolt FM's Clark Stork here: