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Refuges
Freedom
Women and children fleeing domestic violence are vulnerable. As
well as a roof over their heads, they need time and guidance for
the future.
From crisis to resettlement, Casa Support (www.casasupport.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=6)
gives valuable peace of mind for referring agencies.
Services provided
Casa Support offers accommodation and an extensive network of
support to women, with or without children, who are fleeing
domestic violence. Refuges of various sizes and self-contained
flats are located across Kent. Shared housing operates within
guidelines for the safety and protection of all residents. All of
the accommodation also offers anonymity and protection for as long
as is needed. For example, there are firm policies on the admission
of men into refuges. After a period of time, women who are ready to
move on to more independent living but who will still need some
support, can move into the self-contained flats.
Access and availability
Women can access refuges and the accompanying integral support
package through many channels, for example social services or
police. Domestic violence is now more easily identified in many
areas of life, which means more cases are now detected. For
example, GP surgeries and school staff have greater awareness of
the existence and scale of domestic violence and its symptoms. Many
women come through the Dove Project, a national helpline which
collates information on women in need across the country and keeps
daily track of accommodation available.
When a woman arrives at one of the refuges, her needs and those
of her children are assessed and a support plan is drawn up. Casa
Support aims to enable the woman and her family to leave the refuge
eventually for an independent life, self-supporting and free from
violence.
Support
Staff recognise that women who have come to a refuge have taken
a brave step in doing so and because of this, they need
considerable support and reassurance. Domestic violence is not
necessarily physical – it can be emotional or mental abuse: for
example, a male partner may deny a woman access to money, family or
friends. Domestic violence can take many forms and leave some women
fearful, with low self-esteem.
When a new resident arrives, Casa Support staff will talk to her
about her experiences and provide comfort to the new resident. The
first few days of a resident’s stay are spent building trust and
getting to know each other, while the woman and her family settle
in. A detailed support plan is then agreed. This plan will look at
what services the resident needs to be able to start a new life
beyond the refuge. It aims at empowering, informing and enabling.
Support workers direct residents towards services that will help
them meet their needs, whether they are emotional, physical or
medical. For example, the support package may include visits to a
counsellor. The plan may also include practicalities such as
finding school places for children.
Each resident has regular meetings with her support worker and
relationships between them are built on mutual trust, understanding
and expectations.
Benefits of choosing Casa Support
Their staff are experienced at dealing with sensitive and
difficult situations of domestic violence. As a result, they have a
thorough understanding of the issues involved and have already
established sound contacts with other relevant agencies which can
support residents. Their approach is sympathetic, supportive and
professional. Rent and affiliated support charges are affordable
and offer value for money.
Case study
(The name has been changed to protect this individual's
identity.)
Carol had been married for 18 years. When she finally left her
husband, he had broken her toes while she was defending her
12-year-old son – who was defending her at the time. The violence
with her second husband only happened a few times in eight years
but became a regular thing in the last six months. She went to a
Crowebridge (now Casa Support) women’s refuge. She said: “In the
refuge, you’re safe and you feel safe. You can talk openly or not,
if you want. Others around you have been where you are now. They’re
moving on and out. You can see it will come out right in the end.
You can laugh together as well as cry together.”
Casa Support has a strong vision for the future on how to
improve its services for women.
Phone 01795 420042 for details of refuge
spaces.
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