Worcestershire has a local countywide domestic abuse 24 hour freephone helpline, provided by Women’s Aid, which deals with any queries from people who have or are experiencing domestic abuse, or from those who may be worried about someone experiencing it. You can call if you need a listening ear, advice, and access to refuge accommodation, support/advocacy and/or someone to talk to.  

If English is not your first language, there are support workers available (via an appointment system) who you can talk to in Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali and Polish. Please note that an appointment can be arranged for you to meet up with a support worker.

If you are a man who has or is currently experiencing domestic abuse, there are male support workers (should you prefer to talk to a male worker) who understand what you are going through who are there to support you and your family. Please note that an appointment can be arranged for you to meet up with a support worker.

Telephone 0800 980 3331  

There is a national helpline, which is provided in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge to offer a listening ear, advice, referrals & support.

Telephone 0808 2000 247

This is a countywide group that meets every fortnight for women going through or who have been through the ‘Freedom Program’. The group operates informally as a drop-in. It is an opportunity to have a coffee and a chat and an opportunity to make new friends.

The group are also involved in developing and improving housing and support services for people experiencing domestic abuse.  

There is a specialist-counselling service provided for children & young people who are or have lived through domestic abuse. This enables children & young people an opportunity to discuss and try to equip themselves with the skills to deal with the issues experienced. This is provided by ‘Relate’.

Please click on this web link www.bacp.co.uk They are nationally accredited counsellors. You can do a search within the Worcestershire area and you can search for a counsellor who specialises in the area of abuse, which you may find helpful. Please note we are unable to recommend a counsellor.  

There are 4 refuges across Worcestershire in Kidderminster, Redditch, Worcester & Malvern. This is emergency accommodation, which is a communal living/shared arrangement (i.e. your family will share a bedroom and a number of families share the bathroom, kitchen & lounge). There are additional facilities on site such as a garden, children’s room, laundry etc.

In Bromsgrove there is a choice of self-contained properties with support called ‘Safe Houses’. The level of support you will receive is based on an assessment of the risks you may face and your needs.

Self-contained housing is an alternative option to communal living within a refuge setting. You may prefer this option as it may be more practical for you for example if you are a large family, those with older boys, single people without children, older women, male victims & their families and for those who sharing facilities may be difficult due to cultural reasons such as cooking.  

‘Safe Houses’ are also available in Bromsgrove as move-on from refuges. This could be because the level of risk and need has reduced or is being appropriately managed whilst you are waiting to be permanently re housed.

Some people may be placed in a Bed & Breakfast in an emergency and on a time limited basis. If you are a family, the aim is to move you to alternative accommodation within a 6-week period, however the time period depends on your circumstances, needs and availability of alternative accommodation.

Support is available, which is based on an assessment of the risks that you may face and your needs.  

Support can be provided to help with your move from temporary accommodation into independent & permanent housing.

All current services offer a level of resettlement support.