Our Refuge or High Risk Safety Assessment assist with:

Physical Security and Building Safety

• Access Control: Evaluation of how well the building controls access to the facility (e.g., secured doors, keycards, or intercom systems). This includes ensuring that unauthorized individuals, such as abusers, cannot easily locate or enter the refuge.

• Perimeter Security: Assess fencing, lighting, and other perimeter defenses that help protect the refuge from external threats.

• Alarm Systems and Surveillance: Review the installation and functionality of security alarms, panic buttons, and CCTV systems to ensure that incidents can be detected, monitored, and reported promptly.

• Safe Rooms and Escape Routes: Ensure that there are designated safe areas within the refuge where women and children can seek shelter in case of an emergency. Confirm the availability of clear, accessible emergency exits.

Internal Safety Environment

• Fire Safety: Check fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency exits, and evacuation plans. Ensure that staff and residents are familiar with fire drills and safety protocols.

• Health and Hygiene Standards: Assess the cleanliness and sanitation of the refuge, as women and children may be vulnerable to health risks, especially when living in shared accommodations.

• Hazardous Materials: Evaluate the refuge for any potential physical hazards, such as unsafe electrical wiring, structural damage, or chemicals that could pose a risk to residents.

Risk from Perpetrators and External Threats

• Confidentiality and Location Secrecy: We review the policies and procedures in place to protect the location of the refuge. This includes ensuring that residents’ identities and locations are kept confidential to prevent perpetrators from locating them.

• Legal Protection: Review whether residents have necessary legal protections (such as restraining orders), and whether the refuge assists in facilitating these protections through referrals to legal support or law enforcement.

• Stalking and Cybersecurity: Evaluate any risks posed by digital surveillance, such as perpetrators using social media, GPS tracking, or phone hacking to locate residents. Offer guidelines on cybersecurity measures, such as disabling GPS tracking on devices, and protecting social media profiles.

Support Systems and Staffing

• Staff Training: Ensure that staff members are trained to handle crises, de-escalation techniques, and mental health emergencies. Staff should be aware of trauma-informed care practices.

• 24/7 Availability: Evaluate whether the refuge is adequately staffed to handle emergencies or urgent situations at any time of day, including during nighttime hours.

• Access to Counseling and Support Services: Assess the availability of psychological support, trauma counseling, and other therapeutic services. These services help residents cope with the emotional and psychological effects of abuse.

Emergency and Evacuation Procedures

• Emergency Response Plans: Ensure there is a robust plan in place for emergencies, such as a fire, violent intrusion, or health crisis. Staff and residents should be familiar with how to react and where to go in an emergency.

• Coordination with Law Enforcement and Emergency Services: Review how the refuge interacts with police, medical services, and emergency responders. Are they aware of the refuge’s location? Do staff know the protocol for contacting them during emergencies?

Risk Assessment for New Residents

• Screening and Intake Procedures: Review the processes used to assess new residents. This includes evaluating whether potential residents pose a risk to others within the refuge (e.g., if they have complex legal, mental health, or behavioral issues that may endanger other residents).

• Personal Safety Plans: Assess the creation of personalized safety plans for each resident. These plans typically outline steps to ensure their safety both during their stay at the refuge and after they leave (e.g., ongoing protection from an abuser).

Child Safety Considerations

• Child-Specific Areas: Review the presence of safe and appropriate spaces for children within the refuge. Ensure that these areas are secure and free from potential hazards.

• Safeguarding Policies: Confirm that the refuge follows child protection policies to safeguard children from abuse, neglect, or other risks while staying in the refuge.

• Emotional Support for Children: Evaluate the availability of child psychologists, counselors, or play therapy programs that can help children cope with trauma they may have experienced.

Cultural and Language Sensitivity

• Inclusivity: Evaluate the refuge’s ability to cater to the needs of residents from different cultural, ethnic, and language backgrounds. This includes access to interpreters and ensuring that safety materials and counseling services are accessible in multiple languages.

• LGBTQ+ Considerations: Ensure that the refuge accommodates the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, including protection from discrimination and access to gender-sensitive spaces.​