Emergency Safe Housing: Your Right to Immediate Safety

EMERGENCY SAFE HOUSING: YOUR RIGHT TO IMMEDIATE SAFETY
If you are in immediate danger, your first right is the right to be safe. That means getting to secure accommodation, tonight.

Emergency safe housing is a lifeline: short-term, confidential accommodation designed to protect you, your children, and anyone else escaping immediate violence, abuse, or threats. It is the crucial first step to getting away from harm, offering a place where you can breathe, begin to plan your next steps, and access vital support networks.

WHAT SAFE HOUSING PROVIDES
Emergency safe housing is not a long-term solution, but a critical secure bridge. It typically includes:

Refuges: Dedicated, confidential residential houses run by charities like Women's Aid and Refuge. They offer immediate security, meals, and on-site support workers.
Council/Local Authority Temporary Housing: Arranged by your local council under homelessness and safeguarding duties. This can be in a hostel, a secure B&B, or short-term private accommodation.
Specialist Accommodation: Shelters for specific groups, such as men experiencing abuse, victims of sexual exploitation, or those with complex needs.
Immediate Security: A confidential address, often with enhanced security measures, ensuring the person causing harm cannot find you.

WHO CAN USE THIS SERVICE
Safe housing is available to anyone facing immediate threats of violence or abuse, and services are inclusive of all backgrounds and situations. You are eligible if you are:

Fleeing Domestic Abuse: Including physical, emotional, financial, or coercive control.
A Victim of Stalking or Harassment: When threats have escalated to the point of immediate risk.
Escaping Harm: Such as forced marriage, 'honour'-based violence, or human trafficking/sexual exploitation.
Anyone at Immediate Risk: Regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status, or income.
Children and Dependents: You never have to choose between safety and your children. Safe housing includes accommodation for your entire family unit.

HOW TO ACCESS EMERGENCY HOUSING (UK CONTACTS)
The fastest way to secure safe accommodation is by calling a national helpline. These services operate 24 hours a day and can find space anywhere in the country.

1. 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Run by Refuge)
Number: 0808 2000 247
Who to Call For: Women and children needing confidential refuge space and support. Confidential, free, and available 24/7.

2. Men's Advice Line (Run by Respect)
Number: 0808 801 0327
Who to Call For: Male victims of domestic abuse who require safe housing and specialist support.

3. Police (In Immediate Danger)
Number: 999
Who to Call For: Call for life-threatening emergencies. Police can arrange emergency housing through local council duty teams and issue Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) to remove the abuser from your home.

4. Karma Nirvana (Honour-Based Abuse/Forced Marriage)
Number: 0800 5999 247
Who to Call For: Specialist support and safe accommodation for victims of forced marriage and 'honour'-based violence.

5. Local Council Housing Options
Number: (Find your local council number)
Who to Call For: Ask for help under homelessness and safeguarding laws. Councils have a legal duty to provide emergency accommodation if you are homeless and at risk of violence.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU (IF YOU CAN)
If you must leave suddenly, your safety is the only priority—do not delay your escape to pack. Support services can help you replace documents later.

If you have a few minutes, try to take these essentials:
Identification: Driver's license, passport, birth certificates (yours and children's).
Money & Finance: Bank cards, a small amount of cash, and your National Insurance number.
Legal Documents: Any restraining orders, injunctions, or court papers relating to the abuser or children.
Health: Any essential medication, prescriptions, and your doctor's contact information.
Communication: A mobile phone and charger (consider using a new, cheap "burner" phone if your current one is monitored).
For Children: Comfort items, a few essential items of clothing, and any vital school/medical information.

You are not alone. Safe housing is a secure space designed to protect you and give you the essential time to plan for a secure future.