The Haven Wolverhampton is a West Midlands-based charity that provides refuge, advocacy, and emotional support for women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness. Having offered safe accommodation for decades, The Haven is deeply rooted in the local community while also shaping best practices nationwide. Their refuges are more than just shelters, they’re equipped with child play areas, on-site support workers, and links to local health or legal services
The Haven’s approach to family law includes guiding survivors through protective orders, child contact disputes, and if necessary, the divorce process. Many women arrive with minimal understanding of their legal entitlements – some may not even know they can secure a Non-Molestation Order to keep the abuser at bay.
Support workers facilitate these steps, sometimes accompanying survivors to legal appointments or court hearings. Additionally, The Haven organises therapeutic groups to address trauma, emphasising how confidence-building can help survivors assert their rights in family-law proceedings. They also run training for local solicitors, ensuring professionals grasp the nuanced challenges battered women face.
Key Services
- Refuge Accommodation: Secure, confidential living spaces, with on-site staff for ongoing support.
- Legal & Benefits Advocacy: Help with injunctions, housing applications, welfare entitlements, or divorce queries.
- Children’s Services: Child therapy, play sessions, and educational support for kids uprooted by violence.
- Outreach Programmes: Community-based drop-ins for advice, plus resettlement help when moving into independent housing.
Why It’s Valuable
Beyond simply providing emergency shelter, The Haven Wolverhampton ensures each survivor’s journey is guided by dignity and empowerment. Their integrated model, combining legal advice, emotional care, and practical life skills, can drastically reduce the intimidation factor around separation and family courts.
For instance, if a client needs to apply for a Prohibited Steps Order (preventing the abuser from taking children away), The Haven’s staff explain it clearly, alleviating fear about courtroom confrontations. This holistic support fosters long-term stability: once women gain safe housing and legal protections, they’re more likely to rebuild financially and emotionally. In short, The Haven stands out as a transformative safe haven, turning crisis accommodation into a springboard for future independence and security.
Website: https://www.havenrefuge.org.uk/
Registered Charity Number: 1065427