Womans Refuge

[Popsie3]

Today I really want to disappear, I have tried to type out what's going on in my relationship but its too long and sad and I am humiliated that I have let it go on for so long, I want to take myself and my children away from my dp and never have contact again. if I could contact a womans refuge how long would it be before I would be helped? What happens to all my belongings if I needed to move quickly?

If your situation is critical/dangerous, they can act very quickly. Are you thinking of calling somewhere like Womens Aid?

Hi,

I hope you are ok. I know about woman's refuges so can answer your questions.

How many children do you have and what is the age/sex of the oldest one?

When you will get help depends on availability and where you want to move to ie if you can move anywhere in the country then it will be quicker for you but if you can only move to a specific area then it may take time for a refuge space to come up.

Call womens aid- they have access to a database called refuges online and they can search availability for you.

Also you do have to pay rent in refuges, the majority of women pay this by claiming housing benefit.

You do not have to move into a refuge to get support, your local refuge may offer floating support which is specifically to help women in the community.

I wish you all the best and am happy to answer any questions you have.

X

Also re: your belongings - what type of belongings are you talking about?

All refuges are slightly different but you will have your own room and the size will depend on the number of people sharing the ro. You will also have access to communual areas such as living room/kitchen. Some refuges have storage or can put you into contact with someone who can help.

Thank you for getting back to me, I meant all my belongings that are in my house, I rent from the council, I have 3 children who are very settled in school and a job which I love but I just wish my dp would leave but I know that is never going to happen so I need to do it and for good

Is he on the rent book/tenancy?

Is he abusing you?

The council have a duty to protect you from that so may be able to re-house you/force him to go.

If the tenancy is in your name, there are various things you can do to make him leave and to ensure you have the support to keep him away.

If you contact WA they may be able to help you with a refuge, but unless you're in any immediate danger, homeless and considered a priority case (i.e. no friends or relatives you can stay with), it may well not be as soon as you'd like. You'd have more luck with your local council, who have a statutory responsibility to house you, particularly if you are fleeing a background of abuse. You'd need to turn up at the offices saying that you are homeless and have no where to go. Initially, you would probably find yourself in B&B before they were able to provide you with a more suitable home.

Good luck. You're being very brave, and despite how awful this period will seem to you, it will be more than worth it.