If you are homeless because of domestic abuse, you may be able to get a place in a refuge. Domestic abuse includes violence, threats, intimidating behaviour and bullying.

A refuge offers temporary accommodation and gives you the chance to make decisions about your future free from fear. The addresses are kept secret to protect the women who live there and male visitors are not usually allowed. If you don't feel safe in your own area, you may be able to go to a refuge in another area.

• Are there refuges for men?
• What will the refuge be like?
• Will I have to pay?
• Who can stay in a refuge?
• How long can I stay in the refuge?
• How do I get into a refuge?
• What should I take with me?
• What about permanent accommodation?

Are there refuges for men?

The refuges in Northern Ireland are only for women. Most victims of domestic abuse are women so there are more agencies dedicated to helping women victims. If you are a male victim of domestic abuse you should get advice as soon as possible. The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.

Your Housing Executive District Office or an adviser should be able to explain your rights and housing options.

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What will the refuge be like?

Refuges are usually ordinary houses or purpose built accommodation. The refuges are shared by women and children who have experienced violence, threats or abuse from someone who lives with them, or used to live with them. The staff at refuges are usually women. Residents at the refuge will have been through a similar experience and can provide support and advice

In most refuges you will:

• get a room of your own;
• share a living room, kitchen and bathroom with other residents;
• cook for your own family'
• not be allowed any male visitors;
• not be allowed any male children above 13;
• be asked to keep the address secret to protect all the residents of the refuge.

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Will I have to pay?

Housing benefit may cover the cost of staying in the refuge, if you have no income or are on income support or jobseeker's allowance. When you arrive at a refuge you are entitled to apply for income support or job seeker's allowance. Staff at the refuge can help you apply for benefits, including housing benefit. If you are working you may have to pay to stay in the refuge, but the rent will reflect your ability to pay.

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Who can stay in a refuge?

Refuges are open to any woman who needs to get away from violence, threats, intimidation or bullying. There is no age limit and it doesn't matter whether the violent person is your husband, partner, ex-husband, ex-partner or a relative. You do not have to have children to go to a refuge although children are welcome at refuges (apart from male children over 13).

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How long can I stay in the refuge?

You can stay in the refuge for as long as you need. Your stay can last a few days or a few months. The refuge can help you find new permanent accommodation if you don't want to return to your home.

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How do I get into a refuge?

You can find a place in a refuge by telephoning the Women's Aid 24 hour helpline: 0800 917 1414. You can also call your local refuge . It's important to make sure you are in a safe place when you telephone as they might have to ring you back. When you are given the address make sure you keep it a secret.

You can also be referred by social services, the Housing Executive, the police, Citizens Advice Bureau or a local advice agency. If you need to go to a refuge in an emergency the police will be able to take you to one.

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What should I take with me?

You should try to take essentials such as:

• identification for you and your children;
• toiletries and clothes;
• school and medical records;
• money, bankbooks, cheque books, credit cards and benefits documentation;
• keys;
• medication;
• mortgage details or tenancy agreements;
• all documents that you think may be relevant.

If you have children you should bring their favourite small toys.

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What about permanent accommodation?

The staff at the refuge can help you work out your housing options:

• you may be able to get a court order telling the violent person to stay away from you and your accommodation.
• you can apply as homeless to the Housing Executive.
• you can apply for housing from the Housing Executive using the Selection Scheme.
• you can rent privately. The staff at the refuge can put you in contact with rent deposit schemes if you have a problem paying the deposit on your new accommodation.

If you have a joint tenancy or mortgage with the violent person your legal rights can be complicated. You should speak to a legal adviser who will explain your rights. You should not agree to anything the violent person suggests until you have spoken to a solicitor or a specialist housing adviser.

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