SERVICES FOR WOMEN
REFUGE ACCOMMODATION
ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services' refuge has 14 self-contained apartments which provide emergency accommodation both day and night, 7 days a week to women in abusive relationships. You can call the staff at ADAPT anytime 24 hours a day on 1800 200 504 to discuss your situation and we will help you to think about what is the best option for you. We know how difficult it is to leave a relationship. However, if you are unsafe at home and you decide to come into the refuge we will assist you in getting here safely.
The refuge provides self-contained apartments with a television, washing machine, and fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. There is a lobby/open space for children to play and for women to gather and relax. The refuge also has a payphone and a commercial sized washer/dryer.
There is a minimal charge to stay at the refuge, however, if your funds are low we will make arrangements for you to meet the HEO (Higher Executive Officer) at a convenient time to sort out your money situation. The staff will make sure you have enough food, clothes and toiletries for yourself and your children until you get your own finances sorted.
Each individual’s privacy is totally respected in the refuge where women are encouraged to take the time to consider all their options in a safe environment. The staff will support you for as long as you need refuge and make your stay as comfortable as possible. Some women may need refuge only once whereas others may need it many times. When you are ready to leave the refuge, staff will support you in what you want to do and will help you to work out a safety plan that fits with your decision.
At ADAPT we work to support every woman’s needs as best we can. Call us; we are here for you. Let us know what you need. If we cannot immediately meet your needs we will work with other organisations that may be able to help you.
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1. What will happen if I decide to go to your refuge?
When you first arrive, a refuge worker will welcome you. She will sit down with you in a private room and talk with you. If you have children with you, they can stay with you or they may go to the playroom if it is open.
The refuge worker will usually ask you a few questions about your situation, and you can ask her any questions you have about the refuge. If you are too upset to talk, or if the children need to be settled imediately, you will not have to answer any questions in detail straight away.
The refuge worker will ask you for some information to ensure your safety and health and your children's safety and health. You can give the refuge worker a contact name in case of emergency as well as the details of who is permitted to know where you are.
You will be shown to your apartment, and given any emergency supplies you may need, such as clothing, food, baby-food, nappies or toiletries. You will also be shown around the general living areas of the refuge.
Other details and decisions will be dealt with when you are ready and rested. When you are ready, you will get a chance to go into detail about your story with a refuge worker.
All women in the refuge are asked to respect each others privacy and to keep everything they hear or see confidential for safety reasons.
‘While I was in the refuge I was put on the housing list and I became priority on the list.
A house came up where I originally came from so I wasn’t too far away from my family’.
2. Is it safe in the refuge?
Yes. Security is a priority. There are security systems and guidelines to help families to live together in safety. Partners won't be let in and no information will be given to them. You can be accompanied to appointments outside of the refuge if you are feeling unsafe or anxious.
3. How will I get to the refuge?
If it is safe to do so you can make your own way to the refuge by car, bus or train. A friend may be able to help you to get here or you may need to get a taxi. Staff at the refuge will give you specific directions. If the Gardai are at your house when you decide to leave, let them know that you need their help to get you and your children to the refuge safely.
4. I’m worried about my children. Will they be able to adjust in the refuge?
This is a natural concern that a lot of mothers will have bringing their children into refuge. Our refuge accommodates hundreds of children each year. In 2010 for example 367 children stayed at the refuge throughout the year. Boys and girls of all ages are accommodated at ADAPT from newborns up to 18 years.
Children are usually happy to be away from the tension of the home. They may miss their friends, but may make new friends with children from other families in the refuge. Let us assure you that we will do whatever we can to ensure things remain as normal as possible for your children.
If you would prefer that your children continue to attend their usual school then this will be facilitated. If on the other hand you believe this would be unsafe then we will organise a placement in a school close to the refuge.
In addition to providing refuge accommodation, ADAPT also provides a dedicated Child and Youth Service which you can access for free. This is staffed by an experienced team of workers who provide a broad range of programmes to meet your children’s needs regardless of their age. Special activities are arranged, such as swimming or days out, especially during school breaks. This can help if the children get bored. For more information on this service please click here.
‘I thought maybe they were safe from it all, but....it’s not until you leave that you realise that they were actually experiencing it as well. I used to think, oh, I’ll keep quiet, they won’t know.’
5. Where will I go if the refuge is full?
In the unlikely event that the refuge is full we will do our best to find accommodation in another refuge or alternatively we will organise another safe place for you and your children to stay.
