"Thanks for looking after us so well...we'll never forget it." - Children who stayed in one of the Refuges.

How to make a referral

Anyone can make a referral you can contact us directly or an agency can make a referral on your behalf. This is usually done by phone and we are available Monday to Friday 9am 4pm. Occasionally we are not able to answer calls straight away but we check the answer phone regularly and will call you back. Contact us

Refuge services

We have 3 refuges in the South Gloucestershire area, which will house 16 women / families at any one time. Each refuge has a dedicated worker to support women and their children with additional support provided by our specialist children and young peoples team. We work with you to address you identify, which could cover a range of areas including the effects of domestic violence on the family, stress, health, housing, finances, parenting skills, legal remedies.

 

What is a refuge like?

  • The houses are clean and well equipped.
  • You have a key to your own room and the front door.
  • There are toys and equipment for the children.
  • You will have your own privacy.

 

How long can I stay?

Normally for up to 6 months although sometimes longer if necessary.

 

What are some of the benefits of a safehouse?

  • You are in a safe place.
  • You can stay for a break or as the first stage to leaving the abuser.
  • You find out you're not alone, there are others in similar situations.
  • The support from other women can be really encouraging.
  • Can help reduce a sense of isolation
  • Support and information from staff around practical and emotional stuff.

 

Resettlement and outreach services

These services work with women and their children living in the community. We provide practical and emotional support and advocacy to those who are either moving on from refuges, can't access a refuge, do not wish to or do not need to. The service can provide help with different issues including safety, housing, finances and legal options as well as providing consistent ongoing support and sign posting to other agencies.

 

Independent Domestic Violence Advisor:

In addition to the help identified above, our advocates can also provide one-to-one support at some of the most difficult or dangerous times and help to find ways to increase yours and your children's safety. Advocates are also specially trained to support you if you decide to use the criminal justice service, keeping you informed, advocating with key agencies and being with you every step of the way including any court attendances.

 

Support and Education groups

We run groups for women in South Gloucestershire who have previously or are at present suffering domestic violence and abuse. These provide support, information and an opportunity to meet with other women who have been through similar experiences

 

Children and young people

We have a dedicated team who offer individual support and group activities for all ages both in our safe houses and in the community. Our children and young people's service provides support through: Providing support and advocacy to children and young people Activity sessions and family sessions in our refuges for children living there. Providing support to women about matters relating to their children and parenting. All children and young people who access our service have experienced domestic violence and abuse whether through behaviour directed specifically at them or through witnessing abuse and violence between significant people in their lives. We feel really passionately about providing support to children and young people to help them move on from what they have experienced

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