A new women's refuge is planned for the Colchester area because of an increase in the numbers of domestic violence victims coming forward.
The building would cost just under £1 million to complete and would offer accommodation for 12 women and their families.
The existing refuge in the borough which can house eight families would be kept open to offer extra support to victims.
Dr June Freeman, a trustee and treasurer of the Women's Refuge Association, said the existing home could not cope with demand.
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