Dispersed accommodation: the inclusive approach to helping more survivors

When it comes to how a refuge should look, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Each survivor’s journey is unique, and will come with different needs. For some, this means that the traditional model of Refuge accommodation is not appropriate. We work to dismantle barriers and allow as many survivors to access support that  provides for their needs, in line with requirements of the Domestic Abuse Act (2021).

That’s why, in March 2023 Warwickshire County Council commissioned Refuge to deliver the first pilot dispersed accommodation provision. Extensive local research highlighted the need for equitable and accessible support, building on the already well-established service delivered by Refuge to support survivors who may have previously struggled to access accommodation-based support.

The new accommodation will incorporate support for many survivors that were unable to access traditional Refuge accommodation and will provide safe havens for Warwickshire residents and people from outside of the county in line with the Domestic Abuse Act’s requirement for cross-border support.

What’s different about these services?

Traditionally, Refuge’s accommodation service consisted of one property with multiple rooms and shared facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens and social spaces. Over time, the accommodation evolved to offer self-contained properties within one building, where survivors have their own space and sole access to their facilities. The dispersed model takes this one step further, giving survivors and their children sole access to a house, or a flat, which are spread across a geographical area. As they are self-contained, dispersed accommodation can be offered to meet the needs of a wider range of survivors.

Who can stay here?

The dispersed accommodation model offers support for those groups who have previously struggled to access accommodation. These groups include male survivors (with and without children), larger families, female survivors with sons over the age of 14, transgender survivors, those with disabilities and older people with mobility needs.

Dispersed accommodation expands the option of refuge accommodation to those who may not be able to share facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens with other survivors.

With larger properties for sole use, the accommodation can be suited to families with more than three children, those with older children and those with pets. Some of our properties are also shared between two residents, where survivors do not have children. Shared accommodation enables peer support and reduces feelings of isolation that survivors often face.

Wider Accessibility

Within the Warwickshire dispersed service, there is a fully adapted property that is suitable for a wheelchair user, as well as several ground-floor properties, which would suit those with limited mobility or mental health needs.

Building a community

The dispersed approach focuses on properties within a cluster around a mile from one another, with a community venue or central staff site within the same area. This enables the service to offer much valued peer support from fellow survivors.

The locations for all properties are carefully considered for access to local schools, public transport links to town centres, access to community hubs and healthcare. Survivors and their children can access group support within each cluster, in the form of supported group work, empowerment programmes, and children and family activities.

The pilot is now in its second year with 17 properties in use, including one shared property for just two survivors, providing safe accommodation to 18 adult survivors, their children and pets.

Moving forward, our goal is to expand the existing scheme to offer 36 spaces for adult survivors and up to 50 children fleeing from abuse. We hope that the pilot proves to be a success and demonstrates new ways in which refuge provision can be delivered and meets the needs of survivors across the county.

Written by: Kaylee Linton, Service Manager, Warwickshire, and Jay Aulum, Warwickshire Country Council

* Names changed to protect anonymity

Sources:

1 Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview – Office for National Statistics

2 Domestic Abuse and Cat Ownership – Professionals Survey, Cats Protection 2023.