Welsh Women's Aid is an organisation that gives confidential support to women, children and young people who are affected by domestic abuse.
Here are some of the ways that we can help you

Children's Workers
These are women who are there to work specially with children and young people. They are there to;

Help you to get your voice heard, put forward your point of view
Listen to you
Help you to cope with all the changes and to settle into your new surroundings
Help you to keep in touch with people who you have left behind
Organise activities in the house to stop you getting bored, painting, model making, games
Support you with going to school
Help you carry on with your favourite hobbies or develop new ones
Help you find ways to keep safe                                 
 

Refuges
We have local Women's Aid groups in many towns across Wales.  These groups are run by women who are there to help you and your mother.  They all provide refuges which is the name for a special 'safe' house.  Refuges are houses where women and children can go and stay to get away from abuse at home.  It is a place for you to stay while you and your mother decide what to do next.  The house is shared by other women and children who have come away from abuse at home. Everyone living there has come because they need to get away from home.
In the refuge you will share a bedroom with your mum and your brothers and sisters (if you have any).   You will share places like the kitchen, bathrooms, sitting room and garden with the other families.  It will seem strange at first but many people make good friends with the people they share with.Having other young people around can help you feel less alone with what you are going through.

Living in a refuge is not always easy, but remember it is only for a short time until your mum decides what is best for all of you. You need to talk with her and let her know how you are feeling, as it is important that she takes everyone's opinion into account. 

Here are some pictures taken in a refuge to give you an idea what it might be like for you.

Outreach Services
You don't have to move into a refuge.  Many of the groups have workers who support women and children in their own homes.  Maybe the person who was being abusive has moved out, or maybe you have moved to a new house but still need help in getting settled. Workers can visit you in your home or arrange to meet you somewhere else.