Tia in the garden, a refuge in the Black Country, UK 2015
Refuge: an institution that offers safe accommodation and support services for homeless and vulnerable women and their dependent children.
Refuges are committed to the principle that women must make their own decisions, that they alone know the implications of their situations, and must take responsibility for the choices they make.
Residents are given time and space to consider their circumstances and plan for their futures. Women are helped and encouraged to support themselves.
CCTV at Penn Refuge. Wolverhampton, UK.
Janet
It’s my home; it’s my safe place. I’m very, very happy far away from my ex-partner.
Saved my life, saved my child’s life. I want the best for her. I want to save her, to see a future for her, make a new house, new life.
I’m creating a room for her. Everything pink. She has a house, she have everything. I want this space that I have just for her because I want she be happy. She important for me, she number one, everything what I do, which I have, every last penny I spend for my baby. I don’t need nothing. If she happy, I’m happy.
Janet, room 9, a refuge in the Black Country, UK 2015
Dawn
When I shut that door it’s mine and Angel’s palace, that’s all that matters. What goes on out there, I don’t care. It’s what’s in here, what I’ve got in this room, with my little girl – that’s everything.
Dawn's room (formerly Rabia's room), Pearl House, The Haven, Wolverhampton, UK 2015
Post Its
A book spread from Rabia
Cleaning in communal kitchen, a refuge in the Black Country, UK 2016
Sam's shoe collage
A book spread from Sam
Ritu
I don’t expect much from refuges, only support, help and accommodation. We got a shared kitchen, shared bathroom and shared lounge and dining room.
Ritu, room 12, a refuge in the Black Country, UK 2016
Children’s play area, a refuge in the Black Country, UK 2015
Priscilla
There’s a couple of items in my house that are very sentimental to me. My children’s pictures were the one thing I kept with me all the time.
Priscilla at home, Black Country, UK 2016
Artwork by Priscilla
CCTV, a refuge in the Black Country, UK 2015