As well as community services in Norfolk and Suffolk. Leeway operates three refuges in various locations throughout Norfolk, which provide emergency accommodation to women and children fleeing domestic violence from any area in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (subject to availability).
Our refuges offer short term emergency accommodation, advice and support to both single women and mothers bringing their children. They provide either secure and friendly environments to live in until the women can be appropriately re-housed or simply a safe space where they can escape from their situation for a few days in order to think through their options. All our residents are allocated a key worker who can support with issues ranging from housing, benefits, schooling, safety planning and solicitors.
All of Leeway’s refuges have secure locking systems, security cameras and alarms linked directly to the Police Station should an emergency situation ever arise. Crisis situations are extremely rare but Leeway staff have the necessary training to ensure that any problems are dealt with immediately and effectively.
If a woman is at a high risk of being tracked or followed, Leeway would be able to find alternative safe refuge accommodation outside of the county or put safety measures into place around a woman’s home.
We will work to find overnight accommodation for the same day if possible, and if our refuges do not have space we have access to systems that can help us find you somewhere as close as possible to a specific area or across the country. A risk assessment questionnaire will need to be completed and you will need to find your own transport to the refuge.
Children can also stay at Leeway’s refuges with their mother. We do offer services to male children up to the age of 16 years; this is either in the refuges or through our children’s and outreach teams. In practice many teenage boys chose not to come to the refuge with their mother, and may stay with friends or other family members until their mother is re-housed.
If a woman has an older male child we will help in trying to find alternative accommodation for him if it is necessary.
This list provides a general guide, but remember that staying safe is your priority. If it is not safe for you to collect any of these items it is important that you leave them behind. Do not put yourself in danger.
Unfortunately you can’t take with you...
A small rent charge will apply in our refuges, however the majority of women may be entitled to receive housing benefits which will help to cover this.
Once you have left your home, you can claim social security benefits for yourself and any children you have with you. Leeway workers can help you with this. If you leave full or part time employment in order to relocate and move into temporary accommodation your rights may be affected. You can discuss this with our workers who will be able to advise you.
Women and children can stay in Leeway’s refuges for as little as a couple of nights to several months. Leeway’s refuges can be used as a break from the abuse, time for women to think and plan their future whilst away from danger. Women may decide to return to their partner to try again. If women choose to leave Leeway’s refuges, they can always return or access Leeway’s other services for information and support, however often they wish to do so.