Shelter
A shelter, also sometimes known as a safe house or a safe apartment, is a facility specifically designed to provide temporary accommodation and support services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence or are under threat of it. Shelters offer a secure and confidential environment where victims can seek refuge from abusive situations. These shelters typically have trained staff and resources to address survivors' physical, emotional, and practical needs.
In Spain, staying at a shelter is free of charge.
The primary purpose of a shelter is to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and their children fleeing gender-based violence. They provide a supportive and empowering atmosphere where residents can receive assistance in assessing their situation, planning for their safety, and accessing necessary resources.
In Spain, shelters are available for all individuals experiencing or under threat of gender-based violence, regardless of age, nationality, or residency status.
You can also seek help from the shelter even if you have not been physically abused.
Shelters often offer various services, including counselling, legal advocacy, assistance with obtaining restraining orders, access to healthcare, childcare support, and help to find long-term housing solutions.
The location and specific services may vary across different shelters, but the overarching goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for those fleeing gender-based violence.
Shelters collaborate with various organisations, such as local legal aid offices, social services, law enforcement, and other community resources, to ensure comprehensive support for survivors.
In Spain, victims' access to shelters is facilitated through referral by professionals from support and assistance resources for gender-based violence available in each Autonomous Community. You can access the search for resources closest to your location here.
You can also call 016, the service for assistance for all forms of violence against women. It is free, confidential, and accessible for people with hearing and/or speech impairments and those with low vision. More detailed info about 016 on Helplines & Chats page.
In case of emergency, dial 112.
