How to Access a Refuge Place in an Emergency

If You Are in Immediate Danger

If you are facing an immediate threat to your life or safety, call 999 now. If you cannot speak, stay on the line and press 55 when prompted — this tells the operator you need urgent help without making a sound. For non-emergency police advice, call 101.

Once you are safe, or if the danger is not immediate but you need to leave, there are clear routes to a refuge place. A refuge is a secure, confidential house where you and your children can stay while you plan your next steps. You do not need to have reported the abuse to the police to access one.

Starting the Process: Who to Call

The quickest way to begin is to call a national domestic abuse helpline. These lines are free, open 24 hours a day, and staffed by trained advisers who understand the urgency. They will listen without judgement, help you think through your options, and can contact refuges on your behalf.

Your local authority is another key route. Under housing law, councils have a duty to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness because of domestic abuse. Ask for the housing options team or the domestic abuse support service. If you are already working with a support worker, social worker, health visitor, or GP, they can also make a referral.

You can also approach a local domestic abuse charity directly. Many run their own refuges or hold contracts to find spaces in others. For men, LGBTQ+ survivors, and those with additional needs, specialist services exist — helplines can point you to the right one.

What Happens When You Call a Helpline

When you first make contact, the adviser will carry out a risk assessment. This is not an interrogation; it is a structured conversation to understand your situation. They may ask about the type and frequency of abuse, whether weapons have been used, if there have been threats to kill, and whether you have children or dependents. This helps them decide what level of support and urgency is needed.

You will be asked about your immediate safety — whether the perpetrator knows you are leaving, if you have a safe place to go tonight, and whether you need police assistance. The adviser will also discuss confidentiality. Refuges do not share your location with anyone unless you agree, except in rare cases where a child is at risk of serious harm.

Next, they will check availability. Refuges are often full, especially in busy areas. The adviser may call several across different regions. If no space is free right away, they can arrange a temporary safe placement — such as a hotel or a different type of emergency accommodation — while you wait. They will not leave you without a plan.

How Refuges Assess Risk and Availability

A refuge will only offer a place if it can meet your safety needs. They consider the location — usually far enough from your perpetrator that you are not likely to be found. They also look at the needs of your household: how many children, ages, any disabilities or medical requirements, and whether you have pets. Some refuges accept pets; others can help foster them temporarily.

If you have a No Recourse to Public Funds immigration status, your options may be more limited, but specialist refuges and helplines can still help. They may access emergency funds or refer you to services that support migrant survivors.

Once a space is confirmed, staff will arrange transport for you. This might be a taxi, a train ticket, or a volunteer driver. They will give you clear instructions on where to go and what to say. If you need to collect essentials first, they can advise on the safest way to do that — or send someone with you if necessary.

What to Bring and What to Expect

If you have time, pack a small bag with:

• ID documents (passport, birth certificates, visas)
• Medication and prescriptions
• Bank cards, cash, and benefit letters
• Phone charger and a spare phone if you have one
• Essential clothing for you and your children
• Comfort items for children — a favourite toy or blanket

Do not delay leaving to gather these items. Your safety comes first. Refuges can help you replace documents and essentials later.

Inside a refuge, you will usually have your own self-contained room or flat, with shared kitchen and living areas. There are house rules to keep everyone safe — for example, not sharing the address, and signing in and out. A key worker will meet you regularly to help with housing, benefits, legal advice, and emotional support. Children are supported too, with play sessions and school liaison. The average stay is a few months, but it can be longer if you need more time.

Support Beyond the Refuge

A refuge is a stepping stone, not a life sentence. When you are ready to move on, your key worker will help you find long-term housing, whether that is a council flat, private rented home, or a move to a new area. They can also help with civil legal options such as non-molestation orders, and with welfare benefits or child maintenance.

Many survivors access counselling or peer support groups after leaving. These can be vital for processing trauma and rebuilding confidence. If you are a man, or from an LGBTQ+ community, or have disabilities, specialist refuges and outreach services exist — ask a helpline to find one near you.

Remember: you do not have to wait for a crisis to ask for help. The moment you feel unsafe is the moment you are entitled to support. One phone call can start the process of finding a safe place. You are not alone, and you deserve to be safe.