While millions are gathering to watch the beautiful game over the coming weeks, sadly, football brings with it an ugly truth.

 

For some survivors of domestic abuse, major sporting tournaments can be a time of heightened anxiety and fear. Domestic abuse services often see increased demand during periods when tensions rise and alcohol consumption increases.

 

That’s why safe refuge spaces matter.

 

Taking refuge

 

Many people imagine a refuge as a last resort. Somewhere institutional. Somewhere restrictive. Somewhere unknown.

 

The reality is very different.

 

What people need to know is that refuge is designed to be a safe and homely space for people to heal and recover and to not be scared of it, because what you are doing to get to refuge is obviously already so terrifying,” says Skye Derrington, Head of Refuge for East Sussex Safe Accommodation Services.

 

“Our biggest goal is that once you get to refuge you feel like that you can take a breath of relief and have some space for yourself.

 

“When someone is accepted into refuge, we work with them to move in as quickly and safely as possible. We always try and make sure their rooms are made up to a really nice standard so they feel homely when they come inside.”

 

For many survivors, arriving at refuge means leaving behind most of their belongings, their home, their routines and everything familiar. Staff understand how frightening that can be.

 

Fresh bedding. Clean towels. A bedside lamp. Small touches that help create a sense of comfort and dignity from day one.

 

Residents have their own rooms and are supported by a dedicated key worker. Together they create a support plan focused on both immediate safety and longer-term goals.

 

Life in refuge is not about control

 

People are free to come and go, spend time with friends and family, attend appointments, work, study and build their future. Some choose to socialise with other residents. Others take time and space for themselves.

 

Coffee mornings, arts and crafts sessions, wellbeing workshops and children’s activities help create opportunities for connection and recovery.

 

“We try to make people’s lives as free as possible,” says Skye.

 

Over time, those small steps can become life-changing.

 

Skye recalls women who arrive unable to make eye contact, answer the phone or leave their room. Months later, those same women are confidently arranging housing, managing appointments and planning the next chapter of their lives.

 

“It’s those little wins that are the most powerful thing to me,” she says.

 

For some survivors, refuge has been life-saving

 

“A few of them will say, ‘I wouldn’t be here without you.’ They’re meaning being in this world, in this life,” Skye recalls.

 

This World Cup season, while many people are celebrating, our teams will continue providing safety, support and hope to those who need it most. Because everyone deserves a place to breathe.

 

• Interventions Alliance provides a number of specialist refuge services in East Sussex. If you need immediate help, no matter where you are based, please call the National Domestic Abuse hotline (managed by Refuge) 0808 2000 247 or visit this page.