Family and Domestic Violence Women’s Refuges

If you or someone you know is experiencing family and domestic violence, help is available. Refuges and safe houses across Western Australia provide safety, support, and guidance to people experiencing family and domestic violence.

If you are in immediate danger, call 000 for Police or emergency assistance.

Family and Domestic Violence Refuges and Safe Houses

Family and Domestic Violence Refuges and Safe Houses provide crisis accommodation and support for women, with or without accompanying children, escaping violence.

There are currently 45 refuges and safe houses in WA funded by the State Government, with capacity to accommodate up to 315 victim-survivors (with or without children) each night.

The State Government is committed to expanding capacity in refuge and safe house services, with a range of projects underway to actively expand refuge capacity through upgrades to existing services and the development of new, purpose-built facilities.

Refuges are a vital part of the response to family and domestic violence, offering a safe and supportive environment, with trained staff providing a range of services including:

• safety planning and risk assessment
• emotional support and counselling
• case management and advocacy
• financial and practical assistance
• information, advice and referrals to specialist services
• outreach support for women who do not wish to stay in a refuge or who have recently moved out.

Many refuges and safe houses provide specialised support to meet the diverse needs of victim-survivors across Western Australia. This includes services designed for Aboriginal women and children, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ victim-survivors and women with disability. These services aim to provide culturally safe, trauma-informed, and accessible support that respects individual circumstances and promotes safety, healing, and empowerment.

The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing (CWSW) maintains a register of family and domestic violence services across Western Australia, including refuges and safe houses. You can access this directory on the CWSW website.