The Independent newspaper has reached its target of raising £300,000 for the charity Refuge to build two homes specially designed for families fleeing domestic abuse.

Its Brick-by-Brick campaign has raised the money from support from readers, businesses and funders.

Contributions from the Nationwide building society and the Julia Rausing Trust helped take “the appeal “well over its initial target”, said the newspaper.

It had originally set out to build one home. But after reaching this target in two weeks last year it looked to raise money to build two homes.

The homes are already under construction by building firm Persimmon Homes with the first families due to move in this year.

Specially designed features include CCTV and arson proof letterboxes.

This will ensure “women and their children – along with any pets – can begin to recover from trauma in a healing, safe environment”, said the Independent.

“The homes will provide an immediate escape route for women and children living in incomprehensible, daily danger.”

The newspaper’s editor in chief Geordie Greig said: “The Brick by Brick campaign has not only built momentum as a cry for help, but it will now build two houses as permanent sanctuaries for women and children who survive domestic abuse.”

Other contributors to the campaign include The Queen, Sir Keir Starmer and the Cabinet, , Lloyds Banking Group, Persimmon Homes, N. Sethia Charitable Foundation and the actress Joanna Lumley.

Refuge interim chief executive Abigail Ampofo said the charity has been “utterly blown away by the success of our Brick-by-Brick appeal with The Independent”.

She added: “Around one in four women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, yet chronic underfunding means that many women struggle to access the lifesaving support services they need.

“We are so grateful to every person who has helped to fund these vital new refuges, and to everyone who has shared their personal experiences during the campaign to shine a light on both the devastating impact of abuse and the essential role that Refuge plays in supporting survivors.

“Brick by Brick has played a vital role in kickstarting a national discussion about domestic abuse, and we hope this encourages more survivors to report their experiences, and reach out for support, as we continue our mission to fight for a world where violence against women and girls is not tolerated.”

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