Domestic violence services

Our refuge provides safety and support for women and women with children affected by domestic violence. The refuge is run by a team of staff who provide support 24 hours a day.

Apply to the refuge

You can either refer yourself or someone can it for you. You can either do this by calling 01332 346477 or 0845 6010 335 or by emailing rebeccac@derwentliving.com

We will ask you a few questions on the phone or we can ring you back later if it is not safe to talk.

You can also ask to be referred to us at any homeless department.

We will deal with your referral as a matter of urgency but sometimes there may not be a flat available, so you will be added to our waiting list. This shouldn’t take long as women are moving into their own homes on a regular basis. If you are added to a waiting list we will keep in contact with regular updates.

What is domestic violence

Domestic violence can affect one in three women at some point in their lives, regardless of age, class, religion, disability, race or sexuality.

You and your children have the right to live your life free from fear.

Domestic violence is about power and control and refers to physical, sexual, emotional, and mental abuse, but not always by a man towards a woman. Domestic violence can also affect people in same sex couples and is regardless of gender and transgender.

Domestic violence can take place between former or current partners in an intimate relationship, wherever and whenever the abuse occurs. Domestic violence also effects children and other people around you.

The Butterfly Project

We also have additional services for women affected by domestic violence with mental health issues and problems with drug and or alcohol misuse.

This award winning service is currently the only one of its kind outside London.

Find our more about this specialist service Butterfly Project leaflet