http://refuge.org.uk/FREEPHONE 24-HOUR NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE 0808 2000 247
Run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge
Twitter @RefugeCharity Twitter account staffed Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30.
"The country's largest provider of specialist services for women and children escaping domestic violence.
Twitter account staffed Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30."
from their website
"Refuge is committed to a world where domestic violence is not tolerated and where women and children can live in safety.
We aim to empower women and children to rebuild their lives, free from violence and fear. We provide a range of life-saving and life-changing services, and a voice for the voiceless."
"We believe that every woman and child experiencing domestic violence has different needs.
There is no single package of services to meet those needs – no ‘one size fits all’.
Refuge offers a range of services which gives women and children access to professional support whatever their situation.
Our national network of services are listed below.
National Domestic Violence Helpline
The Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership with Women’s Aid, is open 24 hours a day, every single day. Our helpline workers are there to give emotional support and practical information. They help women explore their options and escape abuse.
A network of refuges across the country
Our refuges provide emergency accommodation for women fleeing abuse. But they are more than just a roof over a head. They give women the time and space to make decisions about their futures. Our specialist refuge staff are on hand to provide emotional and practical support.
Independent domestic violence advocacy
Our Independent Domestic Violence Advocates provide expert guidance for women going through civil and criminal courts. They help women to obtain injunctions and occupation orders, and they help increase conviction rates.
Child support workers
Refuge employs a number of child support workers in our refuges across the country. They provide vital one-on-one and group sessions for our child residents.
Outreach services
Some women may choose not to go into a refuge or leave their home. Our outreach workers meet with women at safe times in their own homes or in discreet places in the community. They help women to draw up safety plans, progress housing applications and also provide emotional support.
Culturally specific services
Women and children from minority ethnic groups often find it difficult to access mainstream support services. Refuge provides culturally specific refuges and outreach programmes for Eastern European, African and Asian families.
The Gaia Centre
This ground-breaking service, based in the London borough of Lambeth, supports victims of all types of gender violence, including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, trafficking, prostitution, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence.
Campaigning
Refuge runs award-winning, pro bono advertising campaigns to raise awareness of domestic violence. Our campaigns also reach out to women, telling them where to get help and reminding them that they are not alone.
Policy
We lobby the government hard to ensure that domestic violence remains high on the political agenda. We also encourage other agencies to develop best practice services to meet the needs of women and children experiencing domestic violence."
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