What happens in womens refuge

[mn]

has anyone gone to womens refuge,how was it there,what help did they give you,where are you now,did they give you your own place afterwards?pls tell me

[lillypie]

Hi there,I spent time in a refuge and can honestly say it changed my life.

Sometimes it was very hard living in a house with lots of very traumatised women and children but at the same time no one will better understand what you are going through.

The refuge staff are fantastic,and I was offered all sorts of training,confidence building and counselling while I was there.

They will also help you to negotiate the benefit system and the housing office.

It took about three months for me to be re-housed

The support didn't stop after I had left the refuge, infact they supported me for about five years in one way of another.

They are a fantastic organization
I think they saved my life.

PLEASE if you are suffering domestic violence
take the plunge and contact refuge, for the sake of your children.

[NatalieJaneIsPregnantAgain]

My mum has been involved in a woman's refuge. From what I gather there were anything up to 8 families there at the same time. They helped the women and their kids in any way they could. Sometimes it was as much as putting a roof over their heads, others it could be help with addictions, help with benifits, clothing, toys for the kids etc. Mum said most stay at the refuge up to 6 months, and then most people would have a council flat/house. There were quite a few that ended up back with their partners, which is out of the refuge's hands really.

[mn]

thanks alot!i am just really scared to make that first step.things have been getting worse i dont know how much more i can take

[mn]

Natalie jane,do you know(from your mum),would my husband be allowed to see the kids during my stay there.he has never been violent to the kids and would want him to see them.just not me!

[lillypie]

Contact can be arranged through a contact centre,you wont have to see him.

If you email me [email protected] I will send you a link for the refuge that I was in,to give you an idea of what it's like.

It has pictures both inside and out, and loads of information.