Refuge (United Kingdom charity)
| Founded | 1971 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Erin Pizzey |
| Type | Registered UK charity (number 277424) |
| Focus | Domestic abuse, violence against women and girls |
| Headquarters | 3rd Floor, One America Square, 17 Crosswall London, EC3N 2LB |
| Coordinates | 51° 30' 41.508 N 0° 4' 37.56 W |
| Origins | Chiswick women's shelter |
Area served | National |
| Method | Provision of a national network of specialist domestic abuse services for women and their children |
| Revenue | £33,983,581 (2021) |
| Employees | 460 |
| Website | https://refuge.org.uk/ |
Formerly called | Chiswick Women's Aid (1971–1979) Chiswick Family Rescue (1979–1993) |
Refuge is a United Kingdom charity providing specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence. The organisation provides a national network of specialist services, including emergency refuge accommodation (refuges), community outreach, independent domestic violence advocacy (IDVAs), culturally specific services and a team of child support workers. Refuge also runs the Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline specialises in supporting women, but will support other genders including men, especially out of hours.
The organisation was founded in 1971 by activist Erin Pizzey. It's safe house in Chiswick, West London was the first of its kind. Refuge remains the largest domestic violence organisation in the United Kingdom.
On any given day, Refuge's services supports thousands of women and children. The charity says it is committed to working towards a world where women and children can live in safety, free from fear. No services are provided for men.