Wear Valley Women’s Aid - Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there anyone I can talk to without my partner finding out?
  Wear Valley Women’s Aid (WVWA) provides not only accommodation and refuge-based support, but also advice over the phone, via email or outreach (a member of staff meeting up with you). You can contact us and arrange support on your own terms, at any time you wish and wherever you wish. Please also see Safety
• Do I have to leave my home and all of my belongings if I come into a refuge?
  This depends entirely on whether you want to leave your home and your belongings. It may be that you want to spend some time away from your home while you go through court proceedings or similar. If you plan to leave your home and begin a new life elsewhere, you can be supported to collect your belongings safely.
• What about my job/studies? Will I be expected to give these up if I move into a refuge?
  WVWA aims to support women to achieve independence in order to feel better about themselves and able to provide for themselves and their children. If you work or study locally, we would always aim to support you to continue doing so. If you have left your home and moved a great distance to access the refuge, and are unable to travel, we may be able to support you to seek employment and education closer to our services.
• If I come into the refuge with my children, what will happen to their schooling?
  Similarly to the answer given above, if you feel able to allow your children to continue attending their school, and the school is fairly local, we would encourage you to do so. School and teaching staff are usually very supportive of a mother’s decision to access these services and may help you to put measures in place to ensure your children’s safety. If your children’s school is far away, we can help to enrol your children in a school closer to the refuge.
• What will happen to my benefits? I have a joint claim with my partner, and he usually claims for both of us.
  Jobcentre plus can be very helpful when your circumstances change. They will talk you through the things which they (and you) need to do to organise your new benefit entitlement, and they too are usually very supportive of your decision to safeguard yourself and your family by moving into a refuge. It does not take long to change your circumstances with Jobcentre Plus, and can be done fairly quickly over the phone or face-to-face in a Jobcentre Plus centre. The advisor will support you along the way. Find the numbers you need here [link]
• Do I have to contact the police in order to get support from WVWA?
  You do not have to contact the police, and we are not an emergency service. If you access our services, whether in the refuge or via outreach, we will discuss your options with you and if you wish to get the police involved we may support you to do so.
• Is there an age limit for children staying?
  Any female children (of women staying at the refuge) over the age of 16 will be assessed in their own right. Male children over the age of 16 would not appropriate for refuge accommodation, but may be supported to find alternative accommodation.
• Do I have to stay in the refuge to get support from WVWA?
  Please see question one

Have we answered your question? If not, please feel free to contact us

• Can I work as a volunteer of placement student at WVWA?
  Please contact a member of staff on the numbers given [link - contact] We would not discourage anyone interested in this area from gaining experience which could be extremely valuable and relevant to a future career.
• Do I have to tell anyone I am here?
  It is your decision entirely. WVWA will keep your circumstances and your presence at the refuge confidential, providing this does not put you or anyone else at risk of harm. However, the refuge can accommodate up to six women and their families at anyone time in a somewhat communal environment meaning that, if you are local, you may come across somebody you already know!
• Can I support WVWA by fundraising and donating?
  If you would like to fundraise we can provide you with some materials to do so, and donations can be made via paypal or to us directly in a cheque.
• How is the refuge and services staffed?
  There is an experienced core staff team of six women, with other part-time members of staff including volunteers.
• What happens in the refuge?
  After a few days, or as long as you need to rest, you will be supported to consider your options. Staff will provide you with as much or as little support as you want and need. Each member of staff is experienced and skilled in different ways and can aid you in specific areas.
• Do I have to pay to stay at the refuge?
  WVWA recognise that women accessing refuge services are usually under a lot of pressure, which often includes financial pressure. We do not ask that you pay full rent, only a small contribution in order to help you to save some money and ease some of the pressures and stresses you may be experiencing. Residents not in employment are expected to pay a minimum of £10 per week [current – Oct 2009] which is a contribution to the maintenance of the refuge. Women who are employed are expected to pay a minimum of £20 per week [current– Oct 2009]. If there are any problems with this, please feel free to discuss these problems with us.
• Can I tell friends and family where I am?
  The refuge is not a hideout and women should not feel ashamed to reside there. For that reason, the refuge is not a secret address (although it is a very secure building). You may tell anyone you feel safe with where you are. However, as it is a largely communal environment, it is not usually sensible to meet friends and family members at the refuge as the building may be very busy, and there may be some women residing in the refuge who would prefer that you do not bring others into their current home. For a similar reason, we prefer that men over the age of 16 do not come into the refuge at any time.
• I have a disability. Can you accommodate my needs?
  It depends upon the nature of your disability. Get in touch with WVWA staff to discuss this using the details found here. If we are unable to accommodate your specific needs, we would refer you onto services which may be more suitable.
• Do I have to have children or be married to use the service?
  No. When considering women for support, we aim never to discriminate based on background, marital status, nationality and citizenship, ethnicity, religion, sexuality and sexual orientation, age and ability. We aim to meet the needs of women from diverse backgrounds.
• I have had an addiction to alcohol or an illegal substance, but am not addicted now. Would I be able to use the service?
  Depending upon your progress and recovery, you may be considered for support. Speak to a member of staff to discuss your options.
• I think my partner suspects I am thinking of leaving. What should I do?
  See Safety. In an emergency always dial 999. Otherwise, speak to a member of staff to discuss the best way to leave without risk to you or your children (Contact Us). And remember you can use the Contact Form to quickly and easily send us a message without needing to log into your personal email or use a telephone. Just remember to leave contact details including the best time to contact you.
• I am worried about the effect the abuse may have had on my child. What can you do to help?
  WVWA has a designated Children’s Worker who will work with you and your child/ren and may refer you onto a specialist services depending upon their needs. For example, CAMHS have an excellent team qualified to work closely with children affected by abuse and presenting behavioural changes. See relevant links.