As well as outreach support, Women’s Aid Orkney offers safe temporary refuge accommodation for women affected by domestic abuse.
What’s the refuge like?
We have 3 self-contained, fully furnished flats in our purpose built refuge accommodation. It includes a flat which has been adapted for people with limited mobility.
We provide a warm, safe, secure and independent space for you. You will also have access to our communal garden.
We want you to feel at home here and most of all we want you and your family to feel safe. With that in mind, the refuge building is equipped with a secure entry system, CCTV and high garden fences. However, staff also ensure that your right to privacy is respected at all times and they treat your flat as they would your home – they do not have the right to just walk in.
I need somewhere safe to live, how can I access the refuge?
If you are affected by domestic abuse and need a safe place to go, you can contact us by phone or come down to the refuge Monday – Friday 9am – 4.00pm. For help outwith those hours, Orkney Islands Council may be able to assist.
But remember, in an emergency you should call 999 for assistance. The emergency services will also be able to support you to get in touch with us once you are safe.
What happens after I’ve contacted you?
When you get in touch with us, we will explain our confidentiality process and talk you through your options, including refuge accommodation. As part of this, we will look at risk assessments and safety planning so that we can decide together whether or not refuge is the best solution for you.
If you decide to move into refuge accommodation, then we will prepare the flat and go through the tenancy agreement with you.
If for any reason refuge is not an option, we will work closely with you and Orkney Islands Council to find alternative safe accommodation. You have a right to get accommodation on the same day as you leave your home because of domestic abuse.
If you choose to go into emergency housing, a private let, or stay with family or friends you can still receive support from our practitioners.
What support is available in refuge
Support practitioners are based in an office within the same building where they operate an open door policy so that women and children feel at ease about approaching them any time.
How long can I stay?
The short answer is there is no time limit.
Your support worker will work closely with you during your stay so that you can come to a decision together about when to move on to alternative accommodation. The length of the stay stay therefore depends on each individual’s needs.
Help with moving on
When the time is right for you your support practitioner will assist your move from refuge. After leaving refuge, you and your family can continue to get practical and emotional support for as long as you feel you need it.