Who we are
Our charity has been in existence on the Island for 20 years. Our team comprises of volunteers and unpaid Committee Members - women who are from varied backgrounds and, thereby, able to provide a balanced policy structure and an effective, appropriate and meaningful confidential service.
The nature of our charity does not lend itself to a high profile and we strive for balance between what we call “the best kept secret in the Isle of Man” and being readily accessible to those who need us.
Our services are necessary in the Isle of Man.
Our aim
We provide secure temporary accommodation (The Refuge) to women and children who are suffering, or who have suffered, from domestic abuse of any kind.
The Refuge offers a safe clean house. We have a coordinator who ensures that The Refuge is kept clean and is always ready for people to come in and to be there with help and advice for families in The Refuge.
Domestic violence can take the form of physical, sexual, mental or emotional abuse. It can happen to women from all walks of life regardless of age, race, religion, sexuality or social background.
Our volunteers offer support, information and a listening ear to women suffering abuse. They will discuss the options available and, where necessary, provide assistance with getting in touch with the other organisations who can offer help and information needed. Our Refuge residents come via their own instigation or via referral from Social Services and/or the Police.
Our funding is two fold - a grant from the DHSS and charitable donations. We rely on donations to purchase furniture and household goods to make the house more comfortable for the many families who find they need to use it.
During the past years, we have accommodated many women and children. The Refuge now has families staying in The Refuge every week - some staying for a couple of days, some for a couple of weeks, some for several months depending on their circumstances. We have also taken over 600 telephone calls during the year from people seeking help and advice.
We keep the voices of survivors at the heart of our work through:
Protection: By working in partnership with key local agencies.
Prevention: Through raising public awareness.
Provision: By providing a service to help abused women and children.
How you can help
Donate
We are very grateful for all donations. Please use our secure online ‘Donate’ button above.
Give for free
By getting involved in fundraising schemes you can help raise vital funds for Women's Aid. Contact our helpline for more details on 01624 677900.
ACT now to end domestic violence:
- Admit it’s a problem
- Call it by its name
- Talk to someone
If you need help or advice, please call our confidential Helpline on 01624 677900.
Our Helpline is open 7 days a week between 8am and 10pm. If you need help outside these hours, the Police can be contacted.
APPEAL: We have an urgent appeal for funding for a new bathroom at The Refuge. Please contact us if you can assist by making a donation.
APPEAL: We have discovered that The Refuge has dry rot, the cost for the necessary work is approximatley £10,000. Any donation towards this cost will be greatly appreciated.
If you are worried about someone knowing you have visited our web page, please read the information contained within the ‘Online Safety’ document on our Downloads tab.