Blogs

Domestic Abuse Bill 2020

The Domestic Abuse Bill is back in parliament re-starting its journey to become law with its first reading on the 3rd March 2020. This is welcome news after last year’s delays due to Brexit, the election and the fall of the bill in November as parliament faced a period of prorogation. The Bill was introduced to the House of Commons; this is a formality and takes place without any debate. The second hearing where MP’s will consider the bill has not yet had a date announced. Read more

Coronavirus - The Community Response

Here are our tips on how to help keep our communities safe during these unprecedented times. Read more

COVID 19 - Coping Techniques

Here are our tips on how to cope with our 'new normal' amidst the current health pandemic. Read more

Domestic Abuse Bill 2020 Part 2

Keep up to date with the Domestic Abuse Bill as it moves one step closer to becoming law. Read more

Family Life in Refuge

Hello there! My name is Lauren Taylor and I work for Safer Places as a Senior Family Domestic Abuse Practitioner (I know, what a mouthful right?). Thankfully when it comes to working with the amazing kids within the refuges I just introduce myself as someone wanting to make them feel as safe and happy as possible, that usually goes down a little better! So I was asked by one of my lovely colleagues to write a blog……and after several days of researching what a blog actually is, here I am. Read more

Running Refuges - The Risk and Impact of COVID 19

Hear from our CEO about the impact that Covid 19 has had on Safer Places Read more

Families in Refuge

Welcome to another instalment of the Children and Families Blog! Read more

Christmas in Refuge

Hear from our family domestic abuse practitioner about how we are spending Christmas in refuge this year. Read more

Are you in a trauma bond?

A blog post about trauma bonds from Lexie - Safer Places' Children and Families Worker Read more

What is ‘Stalking’ and is it serious?

Spotlight on stalking and what you should do if it happens to you. Read more

My Advocate Became My Lifeline

"How advocacy helped me" Read more

The Hidden Victims of Domestic Abuse

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, Safer Places will be highlighting the hidden victims of domestic abuse. Read more

Latest

Are you in a trauma bond?

A blog post about trauma bonds from Lexie - Safer Places' Children and Families Worker
Level 3 Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Each year more than 100,000 people in the UK are at imminent risk of being murdered or seriously injured as a result of domestic abuse (Safe Lives, 2015). The IDVA course designed for professionals working with families affected by domestic abuse. This qualification will enhance professionals’ practical knowledge, improving the response and ensuring the safety of victims and their families.
J9 Initiative

The J9 Domestic Abuse Initiative aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and assist survivors to access support safely by training professionals and members of the community to recognise domestic abuse and respond to survivors. Once J9 trained, the J9 logo is displayed, letting survivors know that they have a safe place to access information and use a telephone to contact support services.
Work With Us

At Safer Places, our team are our most important resource and a real asset to us. Having a highly competent, survivor focused, experienced and resourceful team is key to delivering a high quality service. We are proud of our team and our organisational culture is really important to us. Working for Safer Places is no ordinary job. Every role in our organisation plays a part in delivering on our Mission. We work hard to create an environment that inspires and empowers staff to give their bes
Level 3 Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) 2022 estimate that 2.3% of adults aged 16 years and over were victims of sexual assault (including attempts) in the previous year. This course will build your skills, knowledge, and confidence when supporting victims of sexual abuse including victims from reporting through to the court system.
About our Training

At Safer Places we have a range of training courses and qualifications available, from short 3 hour sessions to Level 2, 3 and 4 accredited qualifications.
Contact Us
Accommodation

Safer Places has 8 refuges across Essex and Hertfordshire, including specialist therapeutic refuge spaces for women with multiple needs and women with no recourse to public funding. A refuge is a temporary safe home where survivors of domestic abuse and their children can stay. It is staffed by experienced and dedicated support workers who provide individual client led support and help survivors find new safe accommodation. Our accommodation includes a combination of self-contained f
Mission and Values

Vision Safer Places vision is a society where everyone lives a life free from fear and abuse
Help in a Crisis

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call the police on 999. If you are not in immediate danger and would like to talk to us about your options, call our helpline on 03301 025811. We will provide you with the support and information you need to consider your options and decide what to do to improve your safety and that of your children.

Love Bombing

The Unique Barriers Facing LGBT+ Survivors

The international day of zero tolerance against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Why the mental health of domestic abuse survivors matter