We know that when you first move into refuge accommodation, sometimes called crisis accommodation, there can seem like an overwhelming number of things that you need to sort out. Your Refuge Domestic Abuse Practitioner will understand this and is on hand to help you find your way through all the things that you need to do, both in the first few days and during your stay with us to help you move to a safe, happy and independent life.
Safety plan
A safety plan is a personalised, practical plan that can help you avoid dangerous situations and know the best way to react when you're in danger. If you're experiencing abuse or are in an unhealthy relationship, creating a safety plan can be a very helpful way to help you and your family stay safe and make safe decisions.
DASH Risk Assessments
When someone is experiencing domestic abuse, it's vital to make an accurate and fast assessment of the danger they're in, so they can get the right help as quickly as possible. Our risk checklist is a tried and tested way to understand risk.
Dash stands for domestic abuse, stalking and 'honour'-based violence.
Benefits
Our Refuge Domestic Abuse Practitioners help you understand the range of benefits you are entitled to and will support & advise you how to go about applying for them.
Housing
Our Refuge Domestic Abuse Practitioners will help you understand what your options are for finding suitable housing when your stay in our refuge accommodation ends. They will support you to register with the local authority where you want to live when you leave and support you with any paperwork that you need to complete or or documentation you need to provide.
Specialist Services
There may be other specialist services that would be helpful for you or your children. Our Refuge Domestic Abuse Practitioners, or our Children's Department can help refer or signpost you if required.
Financial management & budgeting support & advice
We know that removing access to or control of money is a recognised part of Coercive Control. We understand that whilst it can be exciting and liberting to have control of your own finances, it can also be a little daunting trying to learn/relearn budgeting skills, particularly when you have competing demands on your money.
Our Refuge Domestic Abuse Practitioners are all trained in financial management and are able to provide you with budgeting support and advice.
Family & Parenting Support
Our Children & Young People's Service is able to offer a range of practical support. From helping you apply for school places through to parenting advice and how to support your children's recovery by setting clear boundaries as well as how to build your relationship with them by doing things together and having fun.
Children Safeguarding
We know that when a child has witnessed or experienced domestic abuse in the family home, it is often the case that Children's Social Care has become involved as part of helping you make decisions and take actions to keep your children safe and well. Our Children & Young People's Service can support you by attending Child Protection meetings & Child in Needs meetings with you. They can help you understand what you need to do and provide advice and support along the way.
Group Work
Your Refuge Domestic Abuse Practitioner can also refer you to group which which is completed by Next Chapter staff. This can range from a referral to our RISE programme, to our Children and Young Person's group work including; Tribe and Hand in Hand. Ask your Refuge Domestic Abuse Practitioner if you have any questions about this.
We can also help with...
Our Refuge Domestic Abuse Practitioners can help with a range of practical tasks such as helping you register with a local GP, dentist and a health visitor/midwife (if required).
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