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.

However, because refuges are run on a self-help, often communal basis, there will be some women for whom refuge may not be suitable although we will never turn any woman away without listening and offering what support we can.

We also have an equal opportunities policy. Some groups of people are discriminated against in society because, for example, they are female, or because of their ethnic, religious or cultural background, or because they are lesbian or gay, or they have a disability, or because of their age or health problems. Women's Aid is trying to ensure that all women and children receive an equal service regardless of their age, ability, sexuality or ethnic or cultural background whose children do not live with them for whatever reason.

Women and children come to Women's Aid because they have been abused. Therefore, it is essential that the refuge is a safe place for everyone - you, the other women, the children and the workers - and is free from any hitting, name calling or shouting. This is why we say it is never acceptable to use words or actions which put other women or children down for any reason or in any way. We believe that we each have the right to be treated with respect. We all feel angry sometimes but it is never OK to take this out on someone else - please remember that you may be asked to leave if you are abusive to anyone within the refuge. Also if you do feel discriminated against or put down by anyone in the refuge you have the right to make a complaint.