Refuge Accommodation FAQs
Each refuge has its own guidelines on accommodating people with a variety of support needs. If we are able to safely support you in one of refuges then we would be able to accommodate you. If we felt your support needs were better met in a different place, for example, a hostel with 24 hour support we would explain this and offer you to refer you on. We would never leave someone without appropriate accommodation and support.
We have services across York and North Yorkshire but we also have links and can refer to other services across the UK.
Unfortunately because of the confidential nature of refuges visitors, including family members, aren’t allowed in our refuges.
You can still go out whilst you are living in the refuge although most refuges have a time limit on returning back. This is only in place to ensure safety and peace for other residents.
A refuge provides emergency accommodation to families who need to escape domestic violence. Each refuge is different but most tend to be confidential addresses that provide a mix of self-contained and communal accommodation. In our refuges families have their own bedrooms and bathrooms but share kitchen and lounge facilities. Our refuges only accommodate women but we can find male victims alternative accommodation and support.
You can stay in a refuge until you get re-housed or for a shorter period if you wish to return home.
Because of the need for safety and confidentiality most refuges have a system of rules that residents agree to when they arrive. These include things like not bringing visitors to the property, keeping the address confidential and so on.
You can take a look inside our refuge in York here.
Unfortunately we can’t accommodate pets in the refuge. However, we will work with you to ensure that your pets have somewhere safe to go until you are re-housed. This could include the Dogs Trust fostering scheme, the RSPCA or an informal arrangement with a friend or family member.
A refuge provides accommodation with support. Support is offered on a variety of issues such as understanding and overcoming the impacts of domestic abuse, benefits, housing and parenting. We also provide individual support to children who are living in the refuge.
For many women and children, the refuge provides a crucial safe haven whilst they come to terms with what has happened and start to re-build their lives.
You can watch a video about the support you receive in a refuge on our refuge page.
If you have a question please contact us on [email protected]