The refuge is a safe place for women, children and young people under 16 years who have lived with domestic abuse. You may live with other families, but your family will have a room of your own. Everyone will be trying to get away from being hurt for a while. There might be children and young people of a all ages, so it can sometimes feel quite busy, but you can also make new friends as well.

It is important to us that you feel you can talk to someone. We know how hard it can be. Whatever is worrying you, we will try to support you while you settle in. This might mean supporting you if you have to change schools, letting you know about the local area or just giving you space to talk. At first it might be hard but hopefully it will get better. There will be workers to help and listen if you want. You have the right to feel safe and to be listened to.

The refuge offers a safe place to stay while you gather your thoughts, begin to think about what you want to do next and perhaps even start the process of making a new life for yourself and, if you have children, for them too.

We believe you are experiencing abuse if you are frightened of or ill treated by your partner or ex-partner. Refuges are open to women with children and equally to women without children or whose children do not live with them for whatever reason.

Aftercare service