About the Refuge

Swindon Women’s Refuge has, since 1975, provided 24-hour advice, counselling, support and/or accommodation to women, and any dependants, who have been mentally, physically or sexually abused by their husband, partner or ex-partner.

This organisation was one of the first in the country to highlight the fact that men, too, suffer from domestic violence.

The Refuge serves the district of Swindon (which has a a population of approximately 185,000 - 88% of which live in the town. The majority of services provided by the refuge are utilised by residents of the Swindon area but, due to the Refuge’s size and 24-hour service, some families from other districts within Wiltshire and elsewhere are referred here.

Facilities

The organisation manages six houses, providing 25 bedrooms on one site, rented from and grant aided by Swindon Borough Council. The building has been made as safe as possible with toughened windows, closed circuit television cameras and other vital security measures.

Ramps ensure wheelchair accessibility and the ground floor of one of the houses has been adapted for those with physical disabilities. Most of the time, families have their own bedrooms and share all other facilities.

Using the Refuge

Approximately 200 women and 200 children are accommodated in the Refuge each year; a further one thousand families request advice, counselling or practical support without needing actual accommodation. Average daily occupancy is 20 women and 26 children although this has actually meant that, on some occasions, up to 34 women and 62 children have been living here.

A Safe and Secure Environment

The security provided by the building itself and the support of other residents, volunteers and staff provides a safe environment for women to take time to make their own decisions and choices about their future, whether intending to return to their partners or to start a new life without them.

Much emphasis is placed upon self-help and residents are encouraged to help new arrivals in many ways. Volunteers, all previous users of the organisation, take an active role in helping to provide the Refuge’s services.

Staff are employed to offer specialist counselling, advice on various issues such as welfare benefits, divorce and housing, ensuring safe escort for families attending court or recovering their personal belongings, to manage the organisation and to maintain the general fabric of the building. Staff also provide 24-hour cover for those emergencies which occur outside normal working hours.

Caring for Children

The staff of the Refuge offer support for children and work with the children by organising playgroups for the under-fives and activities and outings for older children, both after school and at weekends. These staff are also able to provide someone to work for, and with, children to help them come to terms with the abuse they have witnessed or actually experienced.

Fact

Twenty five per cent of reported violent crime is wife assault. A frightening and sobering statistic!

Need Help?

While for security reasons the address of the Refuge cannot be published, anyone needing help or advice can telephone 01793 536447.

How you can help the Refuge

If you would like to make a donation to help the Swindon Women's Refuge or would like to offer help, you may telephone them on 01793 536447.

Registered Charity Number 268048