If you do not feel safe to remain in your home, Renfrewshire Women’s Aid can offer temporary accommodation to you and your children if you have any. If you are considering refuge accommodation, the following information is designed to answer your questions about what to expect.

WHAT DOES OUR ACCOMMODATION HAVE TO OFFER?
Our accommodation offers a safe place to stay while you gather your thoughts and gives you the space to consider what you want to do next.

We know that you have been through a great deal and that it is very difficult to leave your partner and your home. You may still have feelings for your partner and wish only that the abuse would stop, or you may have reached the point where you know the abuse will not stop whatever is promised. We understand these feelings and can offer safety, support and the opportunity to talk with other women who have had similar experiences to you. You will not be judged or blamed for the abuse and you can choose for yourself what you are going to do.  Equally, children and young people will not be judged for expressing their feelings.

Our accommodation comprises self-contained flats, which are fully furnished to a high standard. Housing support workers can offer practical and emotional support during your stay and our children’s workers support children and young people through play sessions, outings and individual support.

WHAT ABOUT MY PERMANENT HOUSING SITUATION?
You can return home from the refuge at any point.  You may decide to return with an interdict or exclusion order. You may decide you want to be rehoused within Renfrewshire or in another area. The choice is yours, and Renfrewshire Women’s Aid workers will help provide you with the information you need to make decisions about your housing options.  We will also inform you of how to get advice regarding joint property and mortgage agreements.

HOW LONG CAN I STAY?
Our accommodation is temporary, but this can mean anything from a few days to several months depending on what you feel you need. You can decide how long you stay and what is the best option for you. We will support you in your decision and continue to offer support and information via our advice centre.

WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?
Renfrewshire Women’s Aid understands how determined abusive men can be, so we take safety and confidentiality very seriously. You and your children are assured that any information you give will not be discussed outside Women’s Aid without your consent except in the following situation. If Women’s Aid are concerned that a child may be at risk we have a duty of care to the child to pass on our concerns. However, this would not be done without discussing it first with you, the mother, wherever possible.

For the safety of all the women and the children, the address of the accommodation must be kept confidential. It must not be given to anyone unless agreed by Renfrewshire Women’s Aid. It is also crucial to respect the confidentiality of the other women and children in the accommodation and never tell anyone where they are.