Women's refuges

Find out about women's refuges if you've experienced domestic violence - how to get a place and what they're like.

Get a place in a refuge

A refuge is a safe house for women to escape domestic abuse.

Refuges can provide spaces for women on their own, or with children.

You don't need to have experienced physical abuse to stay in a refuge.

You can also find a refuge using the Women's Aid directory.

You can sometimes get a place on the day you call, but you can't usually book a place for a later date. If you're not safe in the immediate area where you live, you may be able to find a refuge in a different area.

What they offer

Most refuges are ordinary houses although some are larger purpose built buildings.

In most you get a room of your own or to share with your children.

You may have to share a:

• living room

• kitchen

• bathroom

You need to cook for yourself and can come and go as you please.

Trained female staff can give you emotional and practical support.

Rules in a refuge

You usually sign a licence agreement which contains the refuge rules.

Most refuges don't allow:

• male children over a certain age

• pets - you can look into pet fostering schemes

Refuges usually keep their address secret to protect people living there.

You can usually stay as long as you need to – though some refuges have a time limit. Staff will help you to move you back to a safe settled home when you leave the refuge.

How much it cost s to stay in a refuge

Rent varies but if you can get housing benefit this covers all or some of the cost.

Staff at the refuge can help you to apply.

If you have to pay rent on the home you've left, you can usually get benefit for both homes for up to 52 weeks as long as you intend to return to your old home.

Still need help?

Find out more about:

• what refuges are like and how to get a place in one

• other help available if you're experiencing domestic abuse