Becoming a victim of crime can occasionally leave you and your family homeless, especially if the incident has taken place within a domestic setting. The safety of you and your children is the most important priority, particularly if you are living within a violent situation. If you are worried for your safety at home, it is vital you seek advice. There are numerous organisations whose aim is to safeguard and protect people, with many focusing on victims of domestic abuse.
What is a refuge?
A refuge is a type of safe house which provides temporary accommodation for victims of domestic abuse, mostly women and their children. Different refuges cater for different needs; for instance, some are specifically for women from a particular ethnic background. The duration of a stay in a refuge depends on the circumstances of the individual – it could be days or several months. If a more permanent residence is required, the refuge can assist the process and you are entitled to stay there until a permanent solution is found.
How do I access refuge accommodation?
Commissioned Provider
The Police and Crime Commissioner funds organisations that provide support services for victims and witnesses in Derbyshire. These are free of charge and are available to anyone who lives in Derbyshire. For domestic abuse refuges, these support services are provided by Action Hosuing.
Action Housing
Action Housing is funded by the Commissioner to provide helpline services to anyone experiencing domestic abuse in the county. Through Action Housing you can access a whole range of support services provided by a number of different local organisations. These organisations offer a personalised support service, which can help with safety plans, the court process, refuges, counselling, and independent domestic violence advisors. For more information please see the contact details below.
Refuge
Refuge provides services to people experiencing domestic violence in Derby city. The service provides free confidential, non-judgemental and independent support and advice for both men and women living in Derby City. Referrals to this service can be made by yourself, friends, family and professionals as long as they have your consent. Refuge also offers refuge, outreach and resettlement support to women and children who have experienced domestic violence, stalking, honour-based violence, trafficking, forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. For further information about this service please see the contact details below.
https://refuge.org.uk/
0808 2000247
The Elm Foundation
The Elm Foundation provides a helpline service to anyone experiencing domestic violence in the Derbyshire County area. The Derbyshire Domestic Abuse helpline can put you in touch with the right services to support you, provided by a number of different local organisations. These organisations offer a personalised support service, which can help with safety plans, the court process, refuges, counselling, and Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs).