Refuge and safe accommodation
Having a safe space to turn to makes it easier to leave an abusive situation. We provide places for people experiencing domestic abuse to come to. Here they start their journey to a safe life.
Our refuges in East Kent provide temporary accommodation to help you escape an abusive situation quickly. We also provide safe accommodation in Medway for anyone affected by domestic abuse, to help them on their journey to getting a permanent home, and supported accommodation in North Kent for single women.
Find a refuge space
Call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse freephone helpline on
0808 2000 247
What is refuge?
Our refuges are safe houses where you can stay a while, with your children, in order to leave your current situation quickly.
You can move into a refuge the same day you decide to leave. There are short and longer-term solutions – we’ll always offer what will work best for you. For your safety, refuge places are offered away from your current location and a refuge location is always kept private.
To find a refuge space, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse freephone helpline on
0808 20000 247
How does refuge work
Refuge can be purpose-built accommodation, self-contained flats or a large house with a bedroom to yourself and your children with communal dining and living areas. We will discuss with you what options may be available to you.
We do our best to meet any access needs you may have.
If you come to an Oasis refuge, you’ll agree to our terms, which are in place to ensure your safety and that of others.
We’re on hand to support you on your journey to rebuild your life. Our trained support workers will help you settle in and can assist you with applications for welfare benefit, contacting solicitors, local doctors and schools and can provide advice about education and employment opportunities, and future housing.
Coming to refuge can be daunting, but it can also be the stepping stone to the safe, positive, harm-free future you and your children deserve.
We help adults and children
Last year we helped 1561 adults and 393 children to regain control of their lives and go from surviving to thriving. We can help you too.
1561
adults supported
393
children supported
Safe accommodation
We help you on the path to finding a permanent home, away from harm, through our safe accommodation programmes.
Safe in Medway gives anyone experiencing domestic abuse in this area the opportunity to live independently, away from abuse, in safe accommodation such as flats/houses, following assessment by Medway Council.
In Gravesend, Kent we provide supported accommodation in one of our shared houses for single women aged 18 – 25 years who are at risk of becoming or have been made homeless and may have experienced domestic abuse.
You’ll be together with others and our support workers will give you practical advice and support to find a secure, permanent home of your own.
They’ll help you to create a support plan tailored to your needs and can assist you with information about tenancies, skills to live independently and support around your physical and mental health. Whilst in supported accommodation, you’ll take part in a series of mandatory individual and group sessions that will enable you to progress to becoming independent.
We have 14 rooms across two shared houses, three of which include en-suite amenities such as kitchenettes and one of which is fully wheelchair accessible and includes a wet room. There are shared bath and shower rooms, and kitchens for rooms without an en-suite.
We work together with Samaritans, Porchlight, Mind and Citizens Advice Bureau and their services to get you the right support.
Call our helpline
0800 917 9948
For non-emergency support.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 09:30–11:30am, 12:30–2:30pm, Thursday and Friday 09:30–11:30am (except bank holidays)
Calls are free and will not show up on itemised phone bills.
Testimonial
Hear our survivors stories
``I put refuge off for so long and I wish I hadn't. We are all doing so well, and you really can't put a price on feeling 100% safe and without paranoia. My boys and I were made to feel so comfortable there” Lucy
Lucy
``When I went to Oasis, someone said I was going to 'the end of the world' but it has been the Land of Opportunity instead! I have never looked back. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today”
Jasbir
``Who I am now is because of Oasis``
Diana
Guidance on how to be as safe as possible, from practical safety planning to covering tracks online.
Understand what domestic abuse is, how to spot the signs and what makes a healthy relationship.
The answers to frequently asked questions and misconceptions about domestic abuse.