Refuges
Definition: Safe houses for women escaping domestic abuse/violence
A refuge is a furnished safe house for women and any accompanying children who are escaping domestic abuse, regardless of the women's age. To protect the women, the addresses are kept secret, men are not allowed in refuges, nor generally are male children over 12 years.
Refuges are staffed by women who provide practical and emotional support, and there can also be childcare staff.
Most refuges are ordinary houses, although there is some large purpose built accommodation. Some accommodation is self contained, but most is shared housing where women (and any children) have their own bedroom and share kitchen and bathroom facilities with other women in the refuge.
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