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refuge

We have refuge spaces scattered throughout the City of Dundee. DWA has a mix of one and two bedroom properties and none of the properties is shared accommodation. The refuges are fully furnished and equipped to a high standard and are inspected on a weekly basis to ensure a high standard of health and safety. The majority of refuge spaces are monitored externally by CCTV.

A teddy bear on the bed greets all children accessing refuge and we receive donations of quilts from members of the community which are also given to women and children to keep. You will receive starter packs of cleaning materials and toiletries too.

The Women's Support (WS) team will undertake a risk assessment with you prior to deciding whether to offer refuge space or not.

The risk assessment is based on the CAADA Dash model which has been developed from extensive research into the risk factors associated with certain indicators in domestic abuse situations.

The WS team have to take into consideration a number of factors before offering refuge, for example, are the areas we have available are safe for you? (Does the perpetrator or his family live or frequent nearby?) Do you or your children present any issues which may impact on other residents? Do you have recourse to public funds? Are there any other known risk factors which may impact on your support?

The videos below will tell you more about what to expect if you move into one of our refuge spaces or to hear from someone who has lived in one of our flats.

view this video with sign language

view this video with sign language

Housing Benefit

There is a weekly charge during your stay in refuge. You may be eligible for full housing benefit; this however would depend on your individual circumstances and whether you are receiving a pass-ported benefit. This would include; Income support, Job seekers Allowance, Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance. If you are employed, an indicative rent amount would be calculated by our Housing Benefit Worker and you would be responsible for paying the shortfall towards your housing benefit.

You would be expected to pay this to our Facilities Payments & Income Worker or directly to the office at 47 Blinshall Street, Dundee, DD1 5DF.

Admissions

The facilities team go through the occupancy agreement with you and ensure you understand the conditions of living. They will then take you to the refuge and familiarise you with the property and surrounding area.

Refuge rules:

While staying in refuge there are some rules which you will have to abide by.

These include: Follow on

When you move into your own tenancy after being in refuge we continue to provide support for a period of time to help you settle in to your new property/area and support you with practical and emotional issues.

Dundee Women's Aid refuge Dundee Women's Aid refuge




other pages in this section

domestic
abuse myths
information
support
options
refuge
partner
agencies
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  2023 Dundee Women's Aid
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  2023 Dundee Women's Aid