Confidential Advice

What about my pets?

We understand how hard it can be to leave pets, especially if you are worried that they may be harmed, but unfortunately we are not able to house pets in the refuge. If you have pets, you may be able to get them fostered for the time that you are in the refuge and they will be returned to you when you are re-housed: The Dogs Trust is a good place to start if you have a dog, and local cats charities and animal rescue centres also sometimes offer fostering.

Anyone can contact Sheffield Women's Aid and refer themselves, although some people can be reffered through other agencies. Any agency can refer into the service on behalf of a woman needing emergency accommodation. The agency will be asked some brief questions first and then we would need to talk to the woman directly. If the woman is not currently with the agency in person then we will need her contact details and a safe time to make the call to her. The safety of the woman and her children is paramount to us so a ‘safe time’ is vital.

What is a refuge and what are our refuges like?

A refuge is a safe house which offers temporary accommodation for women and children. It is a place of safety for any woman who needs to escape violence and abuse, married or single, with or without children.

Sheffield Women’s Aid refuge offers accommodation to all women fleeing abuse as long as it is safe for you. The refuge is a safe space for you to come where support workers will help you to make decisions about your future plans.