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.

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

17/08/2026

For women experiencing domestic abuse, a silent phone is a safe phone.
Emergency alerts, like the one issued on Friday, could reveal a hidden phone that may be a lifeline for survivors.

You can switch off the alerts in your phone settings under 'Notifications'

13/08/2026

If your partner is loving one minute, but hurts you in the next - that's not ok. One act of kindness, does not undo acts that hurt you and make you feel afraid.

If red flags are popping up in your relationship that make you feel afraid or trapped, Refuge is here to support you.

You can reach out to our helpline on 0808 2000 247, at any time day or night.
You can use our live chat from Monday to Friday 10am-10pm and 10am-6pm on weekends.
Support is available via BSL, Monday to Friday, 10am - 6pm.

11/08/2026

Mums know how expensive the back to school rush can be. But what if you’ve just fled domestic abuse, and it's not just replacing outgrown shirts – but starting again from nothing.

With your support, a mum can focus on helping her children heal, rather than worrying how she'll afford the essentials for a new school term.

Help us raise enough for every single child staying with us to start their new school this September: https://brnw.ch/21x4Qus

06/08/2026

Thousands of generous people donate to us each month, and our work here at Refuge wouldn't be possible without you.

Introducing Sarah and Alan, who have both been standing alongside survivors for an incredible 25 years. Regular donations provide us with the stable funding we need to ensure that we can stand alongside women every step of the way, as they rebuild lives free from fear.

Learn more about their stories, and how to get involved: https://refuge.org.uk/news/twenty-five-years-of-standing-with-survivors/

05/08/2026

The early release of domestic abuse perpetrators is putting survivors at risk.
The new Prime Minister took on the mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, but this decision risks sending the message that the Government isn’t taking domestic abuse seriously.

We support the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s calls for safeguarding, risk assessments, and vital improvements to the probation service to be put into place before the releases begin in October.
Survivor safety must come first. We want anyone affected, or who might have concerns, to know that support is available on 0808 2000 247.

04/08/2026

As the updated Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice comes into effect this week, we want to reassure all survivors of domestic abuse that you are not alone, Refuge is here for you.

For specialist LGBT+ support contact 's helpline on 0800 999 5428 📞

Address

London
SE17TY

Website

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

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