Domestic Violence Woman's Refuge

Leaving home is a big decision, but it may be the only way for you and your children to be safe.

Women who want to leave an abusive partner but don’t have a safe place to go may want to consider staying in a Shine Refuge.

73

Women and children stayed in Shine refuges last year^*.

^{(*in the 2022-23 financial year)}

Warmth, shelter, safety...

... food, clothing and a supportive environment is what you and your family can expect to receive when you stay in a Shine refuge.

Refuges provide short-term accommodation for women and their children at risk of further harm from an abusive partner.

Shine operates two refuges in Auckland at confidential addresses, which means we can provide access to refuge at most times of the day and night, including on weekends.

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How we can support you and your family

While you are staying at the refuge, our staff can support your safety and wellbeing and help you plan for the future. We can help you find safe, permanent housing, provide you with information about Work and Income benefits, support groups, counselling, help you find a lawyer and help with any other barriers to safety and wellbeing you may have. What many refuge residents find most helpful is the emotional support they get from our caring staff.

If you want to talk about staying in a Shine refuge or a women’s refuge somewhere else in New Zealand, please ring the Shine Helpline at 0508-744-633.

Transitional Housing

Shine offers supported rental housing for families ready to leave the refuge but who need additional support to help them become independent. Our transition housing is in Auckland near schools and shops where single mothers with young children are close to the amenities they need.

Male Victims

Male victims, please note: If you are a male victim of family violence and need help to escape an abusive partner or person close to you, please ring Shine’s Helpline. While women’s refuges do not take men, some emergency accommodation options may be available for you.

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