Refuge

The country's largest single provider of domestic abuse services. Refuge opened the world’s first refuge in Chiswick, West London, in 1971.

It is now the country’s largest single provider of specialist accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse. On any given day Refuge supports thousands of women, children and men. Refuge provides emergency accommodation through a national network of refuges, alongside many other specialist services, including the freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247. Refuge also offers community-based outreach services, culturally specific services and a team of independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs), which supports women at the highest risk of serious injury or homicide. Refuge also runs award-winning media and advertising campaigns to raise public awareness of the issue and campaigns and lobbies for better provision for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Charity no. 277424
Company no. 1412276

Please note the survivor stories we share on this page are anonymised for safety.

02/10/2026

Because of your generosity this summer, women and children escaping abuse were able to create happy memories together, from fun days out to feeling prepared for their first days at a new school.

Together, you donated 1,274 fun day out parcels and 906 school essentials. Thank you 🩷

Could you make the same impact throughout the year? A small monthly gift means we don't have to wait for the next appeal to help a family who arrives at a refuge with nothing.

Set up a monthly donation: https://brnw.ch/21x67iS

01/10/2026

Ahead of the first early prison releases on October 1st, we know that many survivors will be worried about the impact of early release on their safety and that of their loved ones.
We want anyone affected, or who might have concerns, to know that support is available.

Refuge’s 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be reached on 0808 2000 247 all year round, and our confidential live chat service is accessible online via www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

24/09/2026

A safer online world for women and girls is not optional, it is essential. But right now, many women aren't feeling protected.

Read our full new report, in collaboration with End Violence Against Women Coalition: https://brnw.ch/21x5WaE

03/09/2026

For many survivors, language barriers, cultural stigma and unfamiliar systems can leave them feeling isolated and unsure where to turn. That's why Refuge provides specialist services that are culturally sensitive, community-led, and available in your own language.

This East and South East Asian Heritage Month, we're celebrating our Vietnamese and Chinese Community Outreach Service, highlighting the difference it makes in helping survivors of Domestic Abuse access vital support, information and services.

Through activities such as our recent health workshop, we're helping survivors understand their rights, navigate systems with confidence, and access support when they need it.

If you or someone you know needs support, Refuge is here to help.

02/09/2026

This October, make every mile matter. Walk 62 Miles with between the 1st- 31st October, and be the reason someone finds freedom and support 🩷

Sign up today - https://brnw.ch/21x5nW3

25/08/2026

The first day of school is looming... Help make a fresh start possible by donating school essentials today:https://brnw.ch/21x5cjj 🩷

24/08/2026

The Home Office have released a new guide for asylum seekers. It claims to address violence against women and girls, but singles out migrant communities instead of focusing on the real causes of abuse.

The reality is violence against women happens in every community, most survivors are harmed by someone they know and migrant women face some of the biggest barriers to accessing support.

We need solutions, not scapegoats. Anti-migrant rhetorics have real world consequences. They put migrant communities at risk, can make survivors less likely to seek help, and distracts attention from the reality of violence against women and girls.

We're proud to have signed the Joint statement on harmful 'behaviours & expectations guide', produced by Hibiscus, Women for Refugee Women, End Violence Against Women Coalition, Southall Black Sisters, Latin American Women's Rights Service, Imkaan and Asylum Matters.

We're calling on the government to work with specialist organisations and survivors to create meaningful change that genuinely helps women access safety and support.

21/08/2026

When families flee abuse, leaving quickly can mean leaving everything behind.

Your donation can help children in Refuge’s services start the new school year with the essentials they need, from uniforms and stationery to the confidence that comes with feeling prepared.

Donate today and help give a child the fresh start they deserve:
https://brnw.ch/21x56Y8

18/08/2026

“The kids were buzzing with excitement while shopping! They were running around with big smiles, comparing things.”

For mums rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse, moments like these mean everything.

Your donations this summer will help the families in our refuges replace essential school items, giving children the chance to start the new school year feeling confident, prepared and excited for what's ahead.

Donate today and help make a fresh start possible: https://brnw.ch/21x51py

Address

London
SE17TY

Website

http://nationaldahelpline.org.uk/, http://refuge.org.uk/

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