A refuge is a safe house where women with or without children, who are experiencing domestic abuse can live free from violence. Refuge addresses are confidential. There are over 250 refuges in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - you can choose to travel as far away from, or stay as near to your home town as you wish. Some refuges have space for many women and children, and some refuges are small houses. 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 can contact your local Women’s Aid refuge by calling the Women's Aid National 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline 08457 023 468 See Marital Rape and Domestic Violence Helplines for more helplines and phone numbers. You can also contact refuges through the Samaritans, the police, social services or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Remeber to take with you:
Identification
Birth Certificates for you and your children
School and medical records, including the telephone
numbers of the school and your GP or surgery
Money, bankbooks, cheque book and credit cards
Keys - house, car, office
Driving Licence and car registration documents
Prescribed medication and vitamin supplements
Welfare Benefit identification and your child allowance book
Passports, visas and work permits
Mortgage details or lease and rental agreements
Current unpaid bills
Insurance documents
Address book
Family photographs, your diary, jewellery, small items of sentimental value
Your children’s favourite items of clothing and small toys
Toiletries and clothes for you and your children
Don't forget to visit Survive's bookshop in conjunction with
Amazon.co.uk for a good selection of books about rape,
sexual abuse, and how to deal with emotional healing, cutting
and many more related topics.
Last updated 26th January 2004