Victims of abuse will be given legal, housing and benefit advice

Crossing Bridges, based in Queens Walk, Reading, which opens at 1400 GMT on Monday, is staffed by Berkshire Women's Aid (BWA) who are trained in dealing with abuse victims.

Eleanor Pitts, director of BWA, said: "The opening of Crossing Bridges is the realisation of a dream for me.

"It bravely brings domestic abuse where it should be - in the open, where we can decide what to do about it."

I hope that the one stop shop will go from strength to strength as I know it will offer real possibilities to transform lives and create better futures Councillor Viki Lloyd

Ms Pitts said: "The work of Crossing Bridges will be about ordinary people choosing to cross the difficult bridge from domestic abuse to safety.

"It is also about professionals building bridges and working together to provide a speedy and coordinated service. People will be given information when they need it so they can make informed choices."

Councillor Viki Lloyd, lead councillor for community safety, said: "Crossing Bridges is a ground-breaking partnership project and I have no doubt that it will make an immediate impact for victims of domestic violence.

"I hope that the one-stop shop will go from strength to strength as I know it will offer real possibilities to transform lives and create better futures."

Crossing Bridges also has surgery times where people can receive free legal, housing and benefit advice.

Police officers based there part-time will provide advice and help or to support criminal proceedings, if that is the route the victim wishes to take.