Housing Options - ESDAS | East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Specialist support

Domestic abuse not only affects how you feel and how you live your life, but it can also affect where you live and who you live with. Understanding what options are available and right for you and/or your children can be difficult and confusing.

Find out more about your housing rights here: Shelter | Rights of women

Housing issues often feel like a reason to stay or return to a relationship, even if you don’t want to. We support you to decide what housing options are right for you and work with other agencies to help find you somewhere safe to stay.

Deciding to leave or end an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time. It is important that you have a plan so that even in an emergency you know where you can go and what to take with you. Here is more information on Safety Planning.

You may have moved out and be staying with friends and family temporarily, or your partner may have moved out but you are scared they may come back. Call us to discuss your individual situation.

Refuge

A refuge is a safe, confidential place where women and children experiencing domestic abuse can stay free from harm. ESDAS can help you find a refuge space that is suitable for your needs. As a general rule you will only be able to stay at a refuge that is at least 25 miles from the area you are leaving. Vacancies change all the time and we can search for vacancies across the UK.

About refuges:

Confidentiality: Refuge addresses and phone numbers are kept private. Staff or outreach workers will guide you safely to the refuge.
Access and eligibility: Refuges vary in size and may cater to specific needs, such as cultural background or accessibility requirements. No situation is too complex – “No Woman Turned Away” ensures support for all survivors.
Staying at a refuge: You may stay from a few days to several months. A licence agreement sets out house rules for safety, confidentiality, visitors, and use of substances.
Practical considerations: Space is limited, so only essential belongings can be taken. Pets may need alternative arrangements; your outreach worker can help.
Housing options: Refuges provide time to consider your next steps – returning home safely, moving elsewhere, or taking legal steps regarding housing or property. Staff provide guidance and support, but all decisions are yours.

Donate to Refuge here.

Helpful resources for pets

Generally, refuges do not allow you to take pets with you, however there are fostering schemes available to help keep your pets safe whilst you are staying in refuge:

Help for cats
Help for dogs

Sanctuary Scheme

The Sanctuary Scheme is designed to help anyone experiencing domestic abuse to stay safely within their own homes. Through the Sanctuary Scheme, anyone who no longer lives with their partner can receive help to have security measures installed that will make them and/or their children safer. Security measures can include:

Lock changes or fitting additional locks to windows and doors.
Purchasing mobile phones or credit.
Installing a safe room within the home to provide added protection should the abuser attempt to return to the property.

Installation of security measures will be carried out following a security assessment of your home by a police Designing Out Crime Officer and fire & rescue service Risk Manager. Although the police are required to carry out the assessment, it is not necessary to report the abuse to them to receive support via the Sanctuary Scheme.

The scheme is co-ordinated by ESDAS in partnership with Surrey Police, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Mole Valley District Council, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Tandridge District Council, Raven Housing Trust, and Clarion Housing.

Call us to find out more: 01737 771350.