Run over five properties, these refuges offer safe accommodation for both single women and women with children at risk from domestic abuse.

Staff members work individually with each woman to develop a support plan which assesses both needs and risks and enables her to make independent choices. Greater independence is also promoted for all users through practical assistance, emotional support and employment and skills training. The service aims for all of those living in the accommodation to live, and enjoy living closely in the community.

Alongside the support plan, staff work with multiple agencies to keep the service user safe (such as the police or local authorities), alongside supporting them to access community facilities such as counselling, legal and financial advice and drug treatment services if needed. Staff members include a Children & Family Worker who can assist women to access nursery and school places for children and work with the whole family to help them recover and move forward from the trauma of Domestic Abuse.

---

Get support

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, is available on 0808 2000 247, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The helpline is answered by fully trained female support workers and volunteers who will answer your call in confidence.

Hestia's Refuge Referral Line also helps women and children to find domestic abuse refuge spaces across London and the south east. Call 0808 169 9975 or email us at [email protected], Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

---