Refuge Accommodation

For women, men and children who are not safe in their own homes, we offer a safe temporary place to live.

The staff in our accommodation services provide specialist support for those fleeing domestic abuse, addressing individuals’ practical and emotional needs.

As well as providing safety, our team provides support in matters relating to finances, welfare benefits, housing—especially move-on accommodation—legal matters, immigration issues, health, education, training and employment.

Refuge accommodation

What is a refuge?

A refuge is a safe house where women or men and their children, who are experiencing domestic abuse, can stay on a temporary basis. The Elm Foundation has four refuges – three for women and one dedicated to men, offering a total of 25 family bed spaces.

The aim of refuge accommodation is to empower residents through support and advice so that they can successfully move on to independent living, free from abuse.

Who is a refuge for?

Any woman or man fleeing domestic abuse can go into a refuge at any time, regardless of their marital status, race, religion, sexuality, age, nationality, disability, or whether or not they have children.

A risk assessment will need to be carried out to ensure the refuge they are going to is secure and a ‘safe’ distance away from any areas where their abuser has connections.

Domestic abuse refuge

What is a refuge like?

The Elm Foundation’s refuge accommodation provides family rooms. One of our refuges is adapted for disabled access with ground floor bedrooms and en-suite wet rooms. Some of our accommodation offers en-suite bathrooms whilst others have communal facilities.

They all have living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and playrooms, which are shared with other refuge residents. There are no expectations placed on residents to use the communal facilities – you can be as self-contained or as sociable as you want to be.

Residents are expected to cook and clean for themselves and their children. We also have a rota for the cleaning of communal areas.

Residents are required to sign a licence agreement, which includes rules such as payment of rent, confidentiality and the use of substances, to ensure the safety of all.

How can I be accepted into a refuge?

You can call Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline number on 08000 198 668, or the Freephone National 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. You will be supported to leave your current home safely and refuge accommodation will be found for you.

You should be able to go into refuge on the same day you complete the referral process, which consists of providing your name, the ages of any children, a safe contact number, and details about the domestic abuse. Refuge space can’t usually be booked in advance and it isn’t always possible to find available accommodation in an area of your choice.

Call us for help

Other refuge FAQs

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