Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions that women and children have when they find themselves in a situation of domestic violence and when turning to the Refuge for support. We have listed questions frequently asked about issues surrounding your children.

If you do not see the answer to your concerns or queries on this page, please call a member of the support team on 01642 225969 or email enquiries@middlebroughrefuge.org.uk

Q1. WHAT IS THERE FOR MY KIDS AT THE REFUGE?

We recognise all children who come to us are individuals and we work with your children to establish what their unique emotional and practical support needs are. We have excellent facilities in the refuge including a children’s lounge, a playroom, a teenage room, computer room and large outdoor play area and garden.

Q2. DO MY KIDS HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL WHILE WE’RE LIVING AT THE REFUGE?

It is very important for children to continue with their routine as much as possible. If you think your children are at risk staying at their existing schools we can organise for them to attend different schools.

Q3. WHAT ABOUT SCHOOL UNIFORMS AND MEALS?

We will help you fill in forms for a grant towards uniform costs and free school meals.

Q4. I REALLY LIKE MY HEALTH VISITOR; CAN I KEEP IN TOUCH WITH HER?

When you first come to refuge a child-worker will take some personal details from you. We will ask you if you want us to contact your Health Visitor and let her know you are in Refuge. We also have a Health Visitor who visits the refuge on a weekly basis and you may want to talk to her.

Q5. MY HUSBAND SAID SOCIAL SERVICES WILL TAKE THE KIDS OFF ME IF I LEAVE HIM WILL THEY?

Social services will only remove children if they are at risk and a child protection investigation has taken place. Social services know children are safe while they are in refuge and we can arrange for your social worker to visit you here to discuss any concerns you may have and what support your children can receive while they are in refuge.

Q6. MY SON IS BEING REALLY AGGRESSIVE AND I FIND HIM HARD TO DEAL WITH.

We understand the effects of domestic violence. We will listen to the problems you are having and try and help you to deal with his challenging behaviour. We will also support your son and help him work through his problems. We offer a range of support services through work on a 1 to 1 basis, advice, & support sessions, mediation, play-sessions and group-work.

Q7. MY DAUGHTER IS GETTING BULLIED AT SCHOOL & DOESN’T WANT TO GO WHAT SHOULD I DO?

It is very important that the reason your daughter won’t go to school is resolved. If your child finds it difficult to talk to you about it, she can talk to a child-worker. We have a range of support services for children being bullied and if you want us to, we can go to the school with you to express your concerns.

Q8. I WANT TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCY OF MY CHILDREN WHAT SHOULD I DO?

We can arrange for you to speak to a female solicitor at the Refuge who can give you all the help and guidance you need.

Q9. MY CHILDREN ARE ASKING TO SEE THEIR FATHER WHAT SHOULD I DO?

This decision is up to you but before you make any decisions you could talk to a child worker about any concerns. It can help to clarify things in your own mind.
 

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