Leaving home is a big decision, but it may be the only way for you and your children to be safe, at least in the short term. Women who want to leave an abusive partner, but don’t have a safe place to go to, may want to consider going to stay in a Shine Refuge.

Refuges provide short-term accommodation for women and their children who are at risk of further harm from an abusive partner. Shine operates two refuges in Auckland at confidential addresses and this means we’re able to provide access to refuge at most times of the day and night, including on weekends.

Shine’s refuges offer warmth, shelter, safety, food, and clothing, and a supportive environment for families. While you are staying at the refuge our staff can help you to find safe, permanent housing and provide you with information about Work and Income benefits, support groups, counselling, and help to find a lawyer. What many refuge residents find most helpful is the emotional support they get from our caring staff.

If you want to talk about going to stay in a Shine refuge or a women’s refuge somewhere else in New Zealand, please ring the Shine Helpline at 0508-744-633.

Male victims, please note: If you are a male victim of domestic violence and need help to escape an abusive partner or person close to you, please ring Shine’s Helpline. While women’s refuges do not take men, there may be some emergency accommodation options available for you.

Transitional Housing:

Shine offers supported rental housing for families who are ready to leave the refuge, but need some additional support to help them become independent. Our transition housing is in Auckland near to schools and shops where single mothers with young children are close to the amenities they need.