Our services
Supporting those who have experienced violence and abuse is at the core of everything we do. No matter what your experience – domestic violence, sexual violence, ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, FGM, human trafficking or modern slavery – we are here to support you.
We run a range of specialist services to help survivors access safety and rebuild their lives. We understand each person’s circumstances and needs are different and that survivors need different services at different times. Our expert staff work closely, and confidentially, with every individual to develop a bespoke support plan. If a woman is not sure what service she wants or needs, Refuge will support her to explore her options.
Refuges
Our refuges provide emergency temporary accommodation for women and children fleeing abuse. They give women time and space to make decisions about their futures and our specialist refuge staff are on hand to provide one-to-one emotional and practical support.
Support in the community
Refuge’s outreach workers support women in their homes or in a safe place within the community. Some may be living with their abuser, whilst others may have left but still need support. Our experts provide one-to-one emotional and practical support, including around safety planning, housing applications and financial empowerment.
Independent advocacy
Our independent domestic, sexual and gender violence advocates provide expert guidance for women at the highest risk of injury and harm of all forms of violence, but particularly to those women who are going through the civil and criminal courts. They offer support, for example, to report to police, to give statements, attend court safely or testify against the perpetrator.
Culturally-specific services
Women from minority ethnic groups may face additional barriers to accessing support due to discrimination, language needs or immigration status, for example. Refuge is committed to breaking down those barriers. Our expert staff speak 44 languages and Refuge provides culturally-specific services for Eastern European, Vietnamese, African, Caribbean and Asian women.
Gender-based violence services
These services act as the first point of contact for any victim of gender-based violence in a particular local area. We provide support for domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and modern slavery, forced marriage, FGM and so-called ‘honour’-based violence.
‘One stop shop’ services
Refuge offers a number of single point of access services, which act as the first point of contact for any victim of gender-based violence in a specific area. These services operate across entire local authorities and offer a broad range of support.
Child support workers
Refuge employs a team of child support workers in its refuges and community-based services. They provide vital one-to-one and group sessions for the children of our clients, supporting them with homework clubs and play and school holiday activities.
National Domestic Violence Helpline
The Freephone National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Refuge and Women’s Aid, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our expert advisers offer confidential, non-judgmental support and information as well as access to specialist domestic violence services across the country.
Human trafficking and modern slavery
Refuge supports victims of human trafficking and modern slavery across its national services. Many victims of modern slavery are trafficked into the UK from overseas and many others (including a significant number of British nationals) are trafficked within and across the UK and held in conditions of slavery.
Refuge-Warwickshire Domestic Violence Service
If you are experiencing domestic violence in Warwickshire, Refuge-Warwickshire Domestic Violence Service can support you and your children to keep safe. Refuge-Warwickshire Domestic Violence Service is a county-wide service which provides support to women, men and children experiencing domestic violence in Warwickshire.
Thames Valley Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service
The Thames Valley Independent Sexual Violence Advisory service supports anyone living in Thames Valley who has experienced, or is at risk of experiencing, sexual assault or rape. Our advisory service is designed for those aged 18 or over, and is confidential, non-judgmental and independent. We provide a range of services, including support for those who do not wish to report to the police.
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