Does anybody have any experience of being in a women's refuge?

[SuckingDownDarjeeling]

As the title. I'm currently in a precarious situation and living in a women's refuge may become a necessity at any time in the near future. I'm scared about the idea, because I have no idea what it would be like. I have two DC.

Does anybody know what it's like in one? Did you feel safe with your children when you were there? Is there drug use or alcoholism within a typical refuge?

I know I'm posting late, but I'm not a troll. I'm a long term user, I just haven't been able to sleep for the last few days.

Any and all advice appreciated.

They're very well pt together so that you have a safe space...there will usually be a shared kitchen and sitting room...there are staff on site so no drugs or alcohol allowed. It's a good way to get out of your situation OP.

They represent safety and a place to heal for me. I went to one with dd and it was just what I needed. I think that it was also helpful for dd to be around other children in the same situation.

And definitely, learning that you can be safe when you sleep.

Thank you so much. That sounds very different to the picture I had in my head. It's also nice to know that DC could play with other children.

I saw your post and just wanted to say I'm in a refuge. I was really frightened to go for so long and one of my fears was that there would be drinking and drugs. I'm struggling at the moment but it's nothing to do with the refuge. It's other issues of my own including missing my ex.

I think there are some separate refuges for people with addiction problems. You'll get asked about drink or drug use before being offered a space to make sure you get the right one for your needs. It was a big fear for me before I came because my ex was violent when drunk. It's not like that at all here. Very family oriented and quiet and peaceful. Staff are here daytimes and there's security at night.

Here feels very safe and calm and peaceful. It's very quiet. This refuge has your own cooking area so you don't have to share. I know it's all different with each refuge. I don't have children (one of the things I'm struggling with actually) but it feels very much like a safe family place.

Hearing children playing outside in the garden when I first got here felt very calming and comforting. There's a playroom indoors but I don't know if it's open because of the virus. The virus means there's less mixing. It's all very respectable and quiet and safe and calm.

@plantlife thank you so much for your answer. It must have taken so much strength to go, especially with your worries about alcohol/alcoholics. Thank you for giving me a picture of what it can be like. That honestly made me feel a lot better and more confident about doing what I need to do. I hope things get a lot better for you soon