Every survivor fleeing domestic abuse deserves to find safety in accommodation tailored to their needs. Refuge and Omaze are partnering to shine a light on the hidden reality of domestic abuse and send a powerful message: no survivor should face abuse alone.
Every day, survivors are forced to choose between a roof over their head and their personal safety. When Refuge opened its first safe house in 1971, it not only changed the lives of women and their children, but also transformed attitudes to domestic abuse.
Over 50 years have passed, but the need for safe accommodation remains as pressing as ever. Domestic abuse continues to be one of the leading causes of homelessness among women.
Each year, we house over 1,400 women and their children in our 65 refuges. These are havens for survivors, where specialist support workers help families regain their independence.
However, for many survivors – particularly those with disabilities, larger families, or pets – traditional communal refuge spaces can be inaccessible or unsuitable. Without accessible refuges, many survivors remain trapped in abuse or at risk of homelessness.
That’s why Refuge is partnering with Omaze to make safe, accessible housing a reality for more survivors than ever before.
In 2023, Refuge launched its dispersed accommodation model, offering secure housing tailored to meet the diverse needs of survivors.
Providing an alternative to communal accommodation, our dispersed model includes standalone properties ranging from flats and bungalows to three-bedroom houses.
A survivor living in one of Refuge’s dispersed properties said:
“I’m so thankful for this safe accommodation. I really value the extra security, like the cameras and gates. Since being here, I’ve even found the confidence to drive further afield and increase my independence. I’m now looking forward to decorating my new home in similar colours – it’s inspired me to use more colour, because I can feel how light and airy it makes the rooms.”
We currently have 29 dispersed properties and are onboarding another five – but many more survivors urgently need a place to call home.
Our new campaign with Omaze will play a critical role in funding dispersed accommodation, enabling us to provide safe havens for more survivors than ever before.
Through this exciting partnership, we are guaranteed £1 million – enough to provide three safe homes for women and children escaping abuse. With wraparound support, these homes could help up to 60 families rebuild their lives over the next five years.
While some of our current properties are leased, these homes will be owned by Refuge, which will greatly contribute to the sustainability of our housing model.
Seemingly small things – like eating together at a dinner table or having private bedrooms – are vital for healing. Our dispersed accommodation offers stability and security, especially for large families, at a time when they need it most.
For survivors with physical disabilities, dispersed accommodation means no longer having to choose between safety and accessibility – they can have both, in homes designed with their needs in mind. Our bungalows are purpose-built for accessibility, featuring ramps, wide doorways, height-adjustable kitchen worktops and open-plan layouts.
Many of our dispersed homes also have gardens, enabling women and their children to bring their beloved pets – companions who often play a key role in helping survivors recover from the trauma of abuse.
A survivor said:
“It’s meant my teenage daughter has her own space, and I have adaptations like step-free access and a wet room that help me manage my health. When I have an episode of pain, having an adapted property means I can avoid triggers and live independently.
“My dogs are like my babies. If this place hadn’t been available – somewhere I could bring them with me – I would have been so distressed and unable to leave safely. My only option would have been to sleep in my car. My dogs wouldn’t cope in kennels; the stress would make them unwell, and I wouldn’t be able to recover from the abuse if I’d had to flee without them.”
Dispersed accommodation is the future of survivor safety. Together, Omaze and Refuge are working to provide women and their children with a home of their own. Each survivor’s journey is unique, and no matter what they need, they will find a safe space to heal, overcome trauma and reclaim their freedom.
How can I get involved?
By entering the Omaze Million Pound House Draw in aid of Refuge, you’ll be helping to provide more women and their children with a safe place to call home.
One lucky winner will receive a stunning six-bedroom property in Yorkshire worth £4.5 million – plus £500,000 in cash. Entries close at midnight on Sunday 23 November.
For your chance to win the spectacular home – while helping provide safe accommodation for domestic abuse survivors – visit Omaze.
