Domestic Abuse Survivors Name Specialist Refuge in Universal Word for 'Happiness’

Domestic abuse survivors at Safer Places have named a specialist Asian women's refuge ‘Khushi House’ after a universal word for happiness.

One survivor said of the naming: “I’m so happy to even have been asked and have our suggestion listened to!"

The word ‘Khushi’ translates to happiness, friend, smile or delight in Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali and Urdu.

Janet Dalrymple, CEO of Safer Places, said: “From over 45 years of work in our community, we identified a need for a specialist Asian women's refuge. On top of being subjected to all sorts of horrific abuse there are specific barriers facing the community, including fear of coming forward, language barriers, and insecure immigration status.

“That’s why we opened Khushi House to begin with; to provide a safe space that Asian survivors can trust and where they can receive holistic, trauma-informed support.

“We are delighted to have Khushi house named by the women who’ve been brave enough to make it their home – even if just for a short while – and we’re over the moon with the name they’ve picked!”

Latest

Are you in a trauma bond?

A blog post about trauma bonds from Lexie - Safer Places' Children and Families Worker
Level 3 Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Each year more than 100,000 people in the UK are at imminent risk of being murdered or seriously injured as a result of domestic abuse (Safe Lives, 2015). The IDVA course designed for professionals working with families affected by domestic abuse. This qualification will enhance professionals’ practical knowledge, improving the response and ensuring the safety of victims and their families.
J9 Initiative

The J9 Domestic Abuse Initiative aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and assist survivors to access support safely by training professionals and members of the community to recognise domestic abuse and respond to survivors. Once J9 trained, the J9 logo is displayed, letting survivors know that they have a safe place to access information and use a telephone to contact support services.
Work With Us

At Safer Places, our team are our most important resource and a real asset to us. Having a highly competent, survivor focused, experienced and resourceful team is key to delivering a high quality service. We are proud of our team and our organisational culture is really important to us. Working for Safer Places is no ordinary job. Every role in our organisation plays a part in delivering on our Mission. We work hard to create an environment that inspires and empowers staff to give their bes
Level 3 Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) 2022 estimate that 2.3% of adults aged 16 years and over were victims of sexual assault (including attempts) in the previous year. This course will build your skills, knowledge, and confidence when supporting victims of sexual abuse including victims from reporting through to the court system.
About our Training

At Safer Places we have a range of training courses and qualifications available, from short 3 hour sessions to Level 2, 3 and 4 accredited qualifications.
Contact Us
Accommodation

Safer Places has 8 refuges across Essex and Hertfordshire, including specialist therapeutic refuge spaces for women with multiple needs and women with no recourse to public funding. A refuge is a temporary safe home where survivors of domestic abuse and their children can stay. It is staffed by experienced and dedicated support workers who provide individual client led support and help survivors find new safe accommodation. Our accommodation includes a combination of self-contained f
Mission and Values

Vision Safer Places vision is a society where everyone lives a life free from fear and abuse
Help in a Crisis

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call the police on 999. If you are not in immediate danger and would like to talk to us about your options, call our helpline on 03301 025811. We will provide you with the support and information you need to consider your options and decide what to do to improve your safety and that of your children.