Our local refuges and other domestic abuse accommodation can offer safe, secure, comfortable and well-equipped accommodation where women, men and children can access emotional and practical support from specialised staff and a range of other partner agencies, while safely recovering from the trauma and abuse they have experienced at the hands of partners, ex-partners and/or family members. The support provided is centred around the individual and their children, where applicable, to empower, and to build on their strengths and resilience, towards a life free from abuse. This includes accessing appropriate and safe move-on accommodation and resettling into the community.
Cornwall has 2 refuges for women and children and 1 refuge for men and children fleeing domestic abuse and/or sexual violence. We also have dispersed units of domestic abuse accommodation and a Vulnerable Female Unit for those fleeing domestic abuse who have more complex needs.
Domestic Abuse Accommodation in Cornwall can accommodate up to approx. 37 women and 34 children, and 5 men and 10 children at any one time; although this figure can vary depending on the specific needs and vulnerabilities that residents may be faced with.
Cornwall’s refuge provision for women and children is delivered by West Cornwall Women’s Aid and Cornwall Refuge Trust who also provide refuge to men and children in a separate house. Live West provide the New Horizon’s dispersed accommodation, which is self-contained accommodation within local communities with specialist support for women with or without children, who have additional complex needs. Harbour Housing provide the EVA project Vulnerable Female Unit which provides supported accommodation in shared and self-contained units to women fleeing domestic abuse with complex needs such as substance misuse, alcohol dependency and street homelessness.
How to access refuge:
If you or someone you know needs to access a safe and secure place, to stay and recover while you flee or leave an abusive partner, ex-partner or family member, contact Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly’s Integrated Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Service, Safer Futures. Safer Futures works with all of the local domestic abuse and sexual violence services and will assist you in accessing refuge and other services:
Helpline: 0300 777 4777
Email: [email protected]