Refuge
What is a refuge?
A refuge is safe emergency accommodation for women and children who are at risk from domestic abuse at home and who need a safe place to stay. We can be contacted all day every day on the freephone number 1800 200 504 or 061 412354.
Women can stay as many times as they need to. Some women stay once, and some women stay more than one time.
How we work
At ADAPT we aim to support every woman’s needs as best we can. We have trained staff with a lot of experience. Women have told us what has helped them and what has not helped them and this has informed how we work and what we support we offer. Everybody’s situation is different, and we support you with what is happening for you.
Confidentiality
We have strict confidentiality guidelines, and everybody’s privacy must be respected.
In the refuge you can be very private, or you can be more sociable. It is your decision to make.
All women are asked not to discuss or give any information about anyone in the refuge – other residents, visitors or staff.
Staying in ADAPT
- We will support you all through your stay with the emotional and practical support you need.
- You can talk about any concerns or worries you may have with staff. It is up to you to choose how much support we give you.
- We are there to guide, help and empower.
- You are encouraged to take the time to rest in a safe environment.
- We will support you for as long as you need refuge and make your stay as comfortable as possible.
- Some women leave their relationships and some return.
- Some women may need refuge only once whereas others may need it many times.
- We can support you in whatever decision you make.
Children/Young people
We are very experienced with children and young people coming to refuge and understand that it is a worrying time for both. Children and young people of all ages can stay and we will do all we can help them settle and feel safe. ADAPT also provides a Child and Youth Service which you can access for free. For more information on this service please click here.
If you are not sure if you need refuge
If you are worried or not sure what to do, please call us. Sometimes talking to our staff can help, we can answer all your questions before you come. You can ring as many times as you need to. Some women like to see the refuge before they decide to come. Whatever you need we are here for you. We also work with other organisations that may be able to help you.