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In 1973, the first Women’s Refuge was established in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Now, Women’s Refuge is the country’s largest nationwide organisation that supports and helps women and children experiencing family violence through a network of 41 refuges across the whole country.

We provide a 24hr crisis-line; a wide range of education programmes; advocate for policy change and conduct original research.

Women’s Refuge advocates help across a wide spectrum, ranging from help accessing healthcare and counselling, support with MSD and budgeting advice, obtaining a protection order and legal assistance, finding a place to live, helping to fund activities for tamariki and establishing relationships with schools and teachers, even meeting basic needs like food, clothing, and much more.

Support Services

including a 24hr crisis-line, information and safe housing for women, young people and children experiencing abuse.

Wide range of education programmes

for communities and organisations.

Taking a strong advocacy role

by working to positively change policy and attitudes about domestic violence.

Conducting research

much of which is unprecedented in New Zealand.