52% of the participants had been in a refuge to escape the relationship. 90% of these had been in a refuge in Tameside whereas 10% had been in other refuges in the country.

What were your first thoughts after being admitted into the refuge?

• The majority commented on the cleanliness of the accommodation, the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the friendly, helpful staff.
• Several admitted to feeling very scared and not sure that they would stay.
• Some who responded said that they felt relief that they were safe and away from the perpetrator.
• A few women expressed some concern about their children - about being in the refuge and about how they were upset.

Those that had been in the refuge in Tameside felt safe however, those that had been in other refuges in the country reported that they had not felt safe in addition to experiencing a variety of problems. All of those that had been in a different refuge were not satisfied with the services.

What aspect of the refuge made you feel safest?

• Most of the participants commented that all of the security measures i.e. cameras, staff 24 hours, window locks made them feel safe
• Several commented that the fact that nobody knew where they were, helped
• 1 participant valued the safety for the children

How did you find living in the shared accommodation at the refuge?

• Most of the women expressed some dissatisfaction with shared facilities where other residents did not have the same standards of cleanliness. (The Refuge Units are split into five sections with 4 rooms on each. Each section shares a bathroom and kitchen. All residents share the lounges).
• Most were happy to put up with shared use if it meant they were safe and free from the fear of violence.
• There were some women who did not like the service at all with 1 participant commenting that she found it 'terrible'.

Did you and/or your children benefit from the playroom/workers?

57% of the participants used the playroom/workers in the refuge. Most of the interviewees stated that the service was invaluable to them and that the children really enjoyed the activities. Several commented that it gave a most welcome break. The reason why others did not access the play workers was due to the age of their children - either they were too young or too old to access the service.

50% of participants have used the outreach service. The others were still in the refuge and therefore had not accessed the service. The majority of the women expressed that they were very satisfied with the service however, 1 woman was not satisfied believing she received no help at all.

How do you feel the service at the refuge could be improved?

The majority of the women stated that they could not think of anything and that they were happy with the service. However, some suggestions were received:

• Locks on food cabinets
• Locks children in TV Lounge can cause problems with rowdiness
• Self defence classes
• Counselling service for the children
• Better drug user screening
• Be less strict with the rules
• Washing and drying should be free
• Long term counselling should be done at the person's home
• The plugs need plastic covers on for the safety of children
• There needs to be organised activities for the children whom are under or over the age the play workers work with.
• The opportunity to move in with another family after the refuge to get used to living alone
• Home security/crime prevention advice/talks

Those that had contacted the 24 hour Domestic Violence Helpline (Tameside) were very happy with the advice they received.

'Another Home'

Thank you for your time
and all your care.
knowing that despite my
problems you are always there.
Never judging, always listening being there.
Don't know how I would have
made it through without your care.

I keep a photograph of the
'home' I hold dear.
A picture of my children where I
lived for half a year.
This reminds me of a place called 'home'.
Giving me the confidence to
make it on my own.

So to end this poem, I would like to say;
I'm so glad I met you all, on that
sad and scary day.
It's time for new beginnings,
to live without fear.
Always with the confidence you
are always near.

Poem by an ex-resident

Analysis - Victim Support | Analysis - Housing