JHM-SCOTLAND :

Wondering about shelters?

Are you wondering what life in a shelter can be like?
We have taken time to answer some of the questions you are likely to have regarding domestic abuse shelters.
Please feel free to call us on 0800 027 1234 if you need assistance regading accessing a shelter.


Here are some steps you can take at this point in your journey:


Emergency Shelters are generally designed for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Each resident is assigned to an advocate when they enter shelter a shelter. Advocates provide help with attaining goals, referrals to other agencies and services, and counseling. Families and individuals usually have their own room and are rarely required to share a room. There are several common areas in the most shelters including the living room, kitchen/dining area, and the playroom. Some shelters provides three meals per day, toiletries, emergency clothing and other daily essentials such as diapers and laundry detergent, etc.
Resident are often assigned to an advocate when they enter shelter.
Advocates provide help with attaining goals, referrals to other agencies, police and social services, and counseling services.
Residents and their children are provided with several opportunitiws to attend support groups and other special activities throughout their stay. Stay at a shelter can vary from three months to 2ix months maximum.

  • WHAT YOU CAN DO: You can seek help and get help today!
    If you or anybody you know is in an abusive relationship, please get help today!
    If you are in fear for your life or in imminent danger don't waste time, Dial 999 for police help right away!

  • AGAIN REMEMBER:
    • If you or anybody you know is in an abusive relationship, please get help today!
    • If you are in fear for your life or in imminent danger call the police right away!
    • WARNING: Domestic Violence is a serious crime - It is against the law! Call 999
    • The police will speak to you separately from your partner / ex-partner.
    • Their first priority is the safety of you and any children.
    • Every shelter and safe housing program is different, but the following is generally what can be expected:

      Acceptance To Shelter:
      There tend to be a long waiting list at most shelters, as the numbers of applicants exceed the capacity of the shelters most of the time.
      The advocates will do their best to accommodate emergency cases and will try and make arrangements for applicants in serious danger of abuse/homelessness. Applicants with children are classified as high priority cases.
      Safe & private location:
      Shelters and safe housing programs make everyone’s safety their first priority. You may be asked to keep the location a secret. You have to agree!
      Payment of Fees:
      Shelters and safe housing programs are free.
      Transportation:
      Most shelters will provide transportation to a shelter or safe housing program or send a retrieval team to fetch applicants safely. Many also offer residents bus passes/bus fare and transportation to appointments.
      Children’s safety:
      Shelters understand that children are also impacted by domestic violence. Therefore, advocates will be able to work with both you and your children offering support, information and parenting resources. Domestic violence shelters are mandated to child abuse.
      Self-provided childcare:
      Your children will be under your watch and care at all times. Childcare may be provided during groups and other activities.
      Pets:
      Most shelters will work with you to find a place for your pets to be cared for elsewhere as most shelters do not allow pets.
      Confidentiality:
      Your information will be private and will not be shared with other agencies unless you give your written permission. You will be asked to honour the privacy of other program participants by not discussing their names or situations with anyone else.
      Food, clothing, and toiletries:
      Shelters and safe housing programs often provide basic necessities for you and your family at no cost.
      Sleeping arrangements:
      You may share common areas and might in some cases be asked to share a bedroom. In most shelters you will share the kitchen, common living areas, and bathrooms with other residents.
      Laundry facilities:
      Shelters and safe housing programs usually have laundry facilities and provide guests with linens (sheets, towels and blankets).
      Visitors:
      Visitors are generally not allowed in the shelter or safe housing program, but you can meet with your friends and family elsewhere.

    • REALITY FACTS:

    • On average 2 women per week die at the hands of their partner in domestic abuse situations.
    • Between 2009 and 2015, 936 women were killed by men.
    • Of these, 598 (64%) were killed by their current or former partners and 75 (8%) by their sons.
    • Domestic violence or abuse is not love. It is a crime!
    • Flee from domestic violence & abuse as soon as possible!
    • Domestic violence does not get better without counselling or help for the abuser

    • Click here for contact information of organisations that may be able to assist you:
    • Shelter & Help Hotlines

    • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FACTS:
    • On average 2 women per week die at the hands of their partner in domestic abuse situations.
    • Between 2009 and 2015, 936 women were killed by men.
    • Of these, 598 (64%) were killed by their current or former partners and 75 (8%) by their sons.
    • Domestic violence or abuse is not love. It is a crime!
    • Flee from domestic violence & abuse as soon as possible!
    • Domestic violence does not get better without counselling or help for the abuser