Refuge
The UK’s Largest Specialist Domestic Abuse Organisation
Who It’s For: Women, children and young people in the UK experiencing domestic abuse. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline supports all genders, particularly out of hours.
What They Offer: Refuge is the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse organisation, providing life-saving services every day of the year. They run a national network of safe refuge accommodation, community outreach, independent domestic violence advocacy, specialist support for children and young people, and culturally specific services. They also operate the free, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline in partnership with Women’s Aid.
Support Includes:
- Free, 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (call or live online chat)
- Emergency safe refuge accommodation across the UK
- Specialist children’s support workers in all refuges
- Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs)
- Community outreach for those still living with a perpetrator
- Therapeutic support for children affected by trauma
- Specialist services for LGBTQI+ survivors and culturally specific communities
- Guidance for navigating the courts and criminal justice system
Referral / Access: Self-referral. Call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 at any time. Live online chat is also available Monday–Friday, 10am–10pm via the website.
Why This Matters: If you or your children are living with domestic abuse, reaching out can feel terrifying — but you don’t have to have it all figured out before you call. Refuge’s helpline is free, completely confidential, and available around the clock. Whether you’re not sure what to do next, need to talk things through, or are ready to find a safe place to stay, they will listen without judgement and help you find the right support for your family.
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