Service Information

We aim to help women make their own choices, regain their freedom and control of their lives

• An integrated and flexible approach providing advice, accommodation, outreach, advocacy, support and therapeutic counselling services for women and children across the Canterbury District
• Experienced and dedicated domestic violence experts working with sensitivity and confidentiality
• Referral to our services can be made by anyone using a referral form or by telephoning
• Advice, consultancy and training to professionals and organisations

Domestic Violence Advice Surgery (Thursday mornings)

• An opportunity to talk in confidence about your situation and explore your choices.
• Further support can then be given through outreach support, counselling, legal advice and referral to other services.

Legal Advice Surgery
(Thursday mornings from 10am – 1pm)

• Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence who are eligible for legal aid.
• Injunctions, Child contact, Divorce proceedings, Financial settlements

Canterbury Women’s Refuge

• Accommodation and support for up to 12 women and their children
• Care planning towards resettling families in the community
• Advice about domestic violence by phone to victims and professionals

Adult Counselling (Crèche available for children)

• Specialist domestic violence counselling for Refuge residents and women from the district
• Facilitating understanding dynamics of abuse. Recovery and rebuilding lives

Children’s Counselling

• Counselling tailored specifically for the needs of children exposed to domestic violence
• Attachment difficulties, trauma, disruptive behaviour, withdrawal, etc.
• Parent child support, liaison with Social Services, Schools, GPs, Health Visitors, etc if needed
• Children seen in the play therapy room at the refuge or in their school.

Community Outreach

• Specialist domestic violence advocacy, counselling and support for women living in the community
• Flexible service - can meet women at her home or in community venues
• Support around trauma, safety planning, advice about housing, child contact and legal services

Children and Family Community Work

• Supporting women and children who are moving on from the Refuge
• Linking families in with community facilities

Children’s Activities

• Play group (week days 9-12)
• Ofsted regulated, well equipped play room offering a safe, caring and nurturing environment
• Available for children at the Refuge and children whose mothers are attending counselling
• Parent/Child Support
• Supporting mothers in the Refuge with their children through advice about parenting issues
• After school activities in the community
• For residents and ex-resident