Women's refuges

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland

Women who become homeless because of abuse, violence or threats may be able to get a place in a refuge. The addresses are kept secret to protect the women who live there and male visitors are not usually allowed. If you don't feel safe in your own area, you may be able to go to a refuge in another part of the UK.

What about men?

Although domestic abuse against men is less common, it does happen. Sadly, there are very few refuges for men who become homeless because of violence. If you are in this situation, you can contact Men's Advice Line for support. You can probably also get help from the council if you are homeless and vulnerable as a result of abuse.

What are refuges like?

Refuges are shared accommodation for women who have experienced violence, threats or abuse from someone who lives with them or used to live with them. Other residents who have been through similar situations can provide friendship and emotional support. The staff at the refuge are usually all women as well. They may be able to:

• give you advice about your situation
• help you claim benefits
• help you find other housing
• help you access nurseries and schools for your children
• offer counselling for you and your children
• put you in touch with other agencies such as the police, solicitors or the council's housing department.

Most refuges are ordinary houses but some are larger, purpose-built buildings. Some have self-contained family-sized accommodation but that is unusual. In most refuges you will get a room of your own (or to share with your children) and will share a living room, kitchen and bathroom with other residents. Some have rules about bedtimes for children and when you can use washing machines or telephones. You probably won't be allowed to have male visitors and you must keep the address a secret to protect everyone living there.

Who can stay in a refuge?

Refuges are open to any woman who needs to get away from violence, threats, intimidation or bullying. There is no age limit. It doesn't matter whether the violent person is your husband, partner, ex-husband, ex-partner or a relative. You may not need to have left the violent person permanently.

If you have children you can usually bring them with you. However, if you have sons over the age of 12, they may not be able to stay at the refuge. In this situation, the staff will help you arrange somewhere else safe for him/them to stay.

Some refuges are especially for women with particular cultural or religious backgrounds, such as Asian or Irish women. Many have disabled access.

What are my rights if I'm staying in a refuge?

When you move in, you'll be given an occupancy agreement which will explain your rights and responsibilities, as well as any rules the refuge has. For example, you won't be able to have any male visitors or act in a disrespectful way towards other residents.

How long can I stay?

You can stay in the refuge for as long as you need to - whether that's a few days or a few months. If you are not working or have a low income, the refuge workers can check whether you are entitled to any benefits (including housing benefit) and help you claim. They can help you find somewhere more permanent to live if you don't want to go home.

How do I get into a refuge?

There are refuges all over the country. Many are run by Women's Aid and/or Refuge. You can go to one in your own area or you can go to one in a different part of the country if you are worried that the person who has been violent or abusive towards you may find you.

You can find a place in a refuge by calling the national 24 hour helpline on 0808 2000 247

Alternatively, you may be able to find one in your area using Homeless UK's accommodation search.

It's not possible to book a place in a refuge in advance but they will normally be able to find somewhere for you to stay on the same day. They can either give you telephone numbers of refuges so you can call them directly, or a Women's Aid volunteer can find a vacancy for you. It's important to make sure you are in a safe place when you call, as they may need to ring you back. When they give you the address of the refuge, you must keep it a secret.

Be aware that you may not be able to get a place in a refuge straight away, as there can be a high demand for places, and they are limited. If you can't get a place in a refuge and have nowhere else to go, contact your local council and tell them that you need to apply as homeless. If they don't agree to house you, call Shelter's helpline immediately.

What can I take with me?

Even if you have to leave quickly, try to take some essentials with you, such as:

• toiletries and any medication you need to take regularly
• money, bank account details, cheque books and credit cards
• birth certificates, passports, driving licence and welfare benefits identification
• important telephone numbers you may need, such as schools and doctors
• your mortgage details or tenancy agreement
• clothes and, if you have children, their favourite small toys.

Most refuges can't accept pets but they may be able to put you in contact with a local pet fostering scheme.

Will I have to pay to stay in a refuge?

Yes. Refuges are not free. You will have to pay rent while you are staying there. However, you may be able to claim housing benefit to help cover the cost. If you still have to pay rent on the home you have fled, you may be able to get housing benefit for two homes.

What happens longer term?

The National Domestic Violence Helpline (0808 2000 247) and/or workers at the refuge can help you decide what you want to do next. Depending on your circumstances, they may be able to:

• help you to take steps to protect your long-term rights to your property
• help you apply for an occupation order, so that you can return home
• help you get a court order (an injunction) telling the abusive person to stop being abusive or ordering her/him to stay away from you and your home
• help you put your name on the waiting list for a permanent council home and/or apply as homeless if that’s appropriate
• put you in contact with local bond schemes that may be able to help if you don't have money for a deposit
• help you apply for a grant or loan to cover rent in advance and/or essential items.

Can I apply as homeless once I’m in a refuge?

An important court case that Shelter took to the House of Lords in July 2009 has confirmed that in most cases, women staying in temporary refuges after fleeing domestic violence are  legally classed as homeless. This landmark case also confirmed that in most cases the council cannot say that you are 'intentionally' homeless if you leave a refuge voluntarily when you don’t have to.

If the council says anything that contradicts this decision, you should get in touch with a housing adviser immediately – use our directory to find one.   

If I go into a refuge, will I lose all rights to my home?

The refuge should also be able to put you in contact with a specialist legal adviser who can explain your long-term legal rights in relation to your former home and help you take whatever steps are necessary to protect them.

DO NOT agree to anything the abusive person suggests or sign any papers until you have spoken to a solicitor or a specialist housing adviser.

Even if the person who has been violent towards you owns all or part of your home, you may be able to establish long term rights. See our sections on relationship breakdown and domestic violence for more information about the law.