Our Services

Ā Mātou Ratonga

We provide practical, emotional, and cultural support to wāhine, tamariki, and whānau affected by family violence.

 We support you through the systems that can feel hard to navigate.

24-Hour Crisis Line

Call the Police on 111 if you are unsafe

Call us any time, day or night.

07 886 5553 or 0800 REFUGE

You’ll speak to a trained kaimahi who will:

  • Listen without judgement

  • Help you create a mahere haumaru (safety plan)

  • Support your next step, if and when you're ready

Safe House

If it’s not safe to stay at home, we can offer you short-term accommodation in a private, secure setting.

  • Private, lockable rooms for each whānau

  • Shared kitchen and lounge spaces

  • Support from your dedicated kaimahi

  • Time to plan your next move with safety and care

What is the Safe House like?

We have two safe houses. They are warm, comfortable, and recently renovated homes that look just like any other on the street. You and your children will have your own lockable room, and no one will enter without your permission. Linen, household items, a washing machine, dryer, and fully equipped kitchen are all provided.

Once I’m in the Safe House, am I allowed to leave?

Yes. You are free to come and go. Staying in a safe house does not stop you from meeting a friend for coffee, going shopping, picking your children up, or attending appointments. You decide whether those activities are safe for you right now.

Are there rules?

The only rules are those that keep everyone safe. This means no visitors unless agreed with staff, no drugs or alcohol, and respect for other residents and their belongings.

Is the house safe?

Both houses are fully fenced with secure locks and crisis alarms. If it is not safe for you to stay locally, we can help transfer you to another town or city, or even get you out of the country if needed.

Is the house child-friendly?

Yes. Each house has a children’s playroom with toys, games, and books. We also have pepe pods, portacots, and trundler beds. Outside, the fenced yards include play equipment. Children are supported by their own Advocate, who works alongside you as their parent or caregiver. Both houses also have Netflix, Disney, and wifi.

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Can my teenage sons come with me?

Yes. We welcome children of all ages and genders. Families stay together.

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Can my pets come with me?

Sometimes, depending on the pet and who else is in the house. If it’s not possible, we can work with Pet Refuge to care for them while you are with us. You’ll have daily video contact with your pet.

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Can my mum, sister, or friend visit me?

We want you to stay connected with your whānau and friends. Where it is safe to do so, and visitors can respect the privacy of others in the house, we will support these visits.

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Can women with gang affiliations use the Safe House?

Yes. We do not discriminate.

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How long can I stay?

You can stay as long as you need. For some women it’s a few days, for others it may be weeks or months while they put safety in place and prepare for the next step. Every journey is different, and your stay will reflect your needs.

Staying Safely at Home

Most people don’t have to leave their home to be safe.
We support wāhine to stay in their own homes when it’s the safest choice.

This may include:

  • Protection and Parenting Orders

  • Monitored alarm systems

  • Home security upgrades

  • Ongoing safety planning and support

Whānau Protect

For wāhine at high risk after ending a relationship, this

service includes:

  • A silent alarm connected directly to Police

  • A home safety upgrade by a licensed builder

  • Portable alarms for public setting

This service is free for those who meet the criteria.

Support and Advocacy

We support you through the systems that can feel hard to navigate.

Our kaimahi can:

  • Speak with WINZ, Oranga Tamariki, or Police on your behalf

  • Help with forms and appointments

  • Connect you with housing, legal support, and counselling

  • Stand with you at court, school, or service meetings

Children’s Support

Family violence affects tamariki too—even if they aren’t

directly harmed.

We offer:

  • One-on-one and group support

  • Tools for dealing with hard emotions and safety or wellbeing

  • Support for parents and caregivers

  • Childrens Programme

  • Advocacy with schools, doctors, and agencies

Women’s Empowerment Programme

When you’re ready to focus on yourself again, our group programme offers a safe space to reconnect and rebuild.

  • Calm, supportive environment

  • No pressure to share more than you're ready for

  • Sessions on self-care, confidence, boundaries, and healing

  • For all wāhine who’ve experienced family violence

Wahine Safety Centre is an affiliated member of the Women’s Refuge National Collective, working alongside refuges across Aotearoa to support women and whānau experiencing family violence.

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