What is a refuge?
A refuge is a safe house where people and children who are experiencing domestic abuse can stay free from fear. Refuge addresses (and sometimes telephone numbers) are confidential. There are over 500 refuge and support services in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Who can go into a refuge?
Any person who needs to escape from domestic abuse can go into a refuge at any time. It does not matter whether or not you are married to or living with your abuser, or whether or not you have children.
The Safer Futures Helpline can attempt to find space in a refuge, this would not be local to the area in which you live – this is for safety reasons. Once a place has been found the refuge will contact you direct via telephone to carry out an assessment. The refuge makes the decision to offer you a place based on your immediate risk. If accepted the refuge will decide to meet you and take you to the place of safety. In some cases, you will need to make your own travel arrangements.
Refuges accept single persons as well as those with children up to the age of 18 years, children over 18 would have to be assessed as an individual adult.
You can ask for refuge yourself through the National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000247 this can be accessed 24 hours a day.
