You are not alone.
Safe, confidential family violence support for the West Coast community.
West Coast Women’s Refuge provides specialist support for individuals and whānau experiencing family violence across the Coast. We walk alongside wāhine, tamariki, tāne, whānau, and members of the takatāpui rainbow community with compassion, practical support, and no judgement.
If you need support, you can contact us any time, day or night.
24-Hour Crisis Line
0800 208 339
How Can We Help You?
I Want Support
Learn how to reach out, what happens next, and how we can support you safely and confidentially.
I'm Worried
About Someone
Support for friends, whānau, neighbours, and colleagues who want to help someone experiencing family violence.
Understanding
Family Violence
Learn more about the signs, impacts, and realities of family violence.
Support
Our Mahi
Help us continue supporting individuals and whānau across the Coast.
Specialist family violence support
for the West Coast
Family violence can affect anyone. It can be physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, financial, or controlling behaviour that leaves people feeling unsafe, isolated, confused, or trapped.
At West Coast Women’s Refuge, we provide specialist family violence support that is grounded in safety, dignity, and mana-enhancing practice.
Our services support the whole whānau, including wāhine, tamariki, tāne, people experiencing family violence, and people seeking support to change violent or harmful behaviour.
We understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. Many people worry they will not be believed, will be judged, or will lose control of what happens next.
That is why our approach is client-led and centred around walking alongside people at their own pace. We listen without judgement, provide practical support and advocacy, and help individuals and whānau make informed decisions about what feels right for them.
What happens when you contact us?
When someone reaches out, we start by listening.
Our service is confidential.
We will talk about what has been happening for you, what support you might need, and what feels safest for you right now. Every situation is different, so support is tailored to your needs at your pace.
We will give you the information and advice you need to make informed decisions for you and your whānau.
We do not pressure people into making decisions.
We do not judge.
We work alongside you to help create safer pathways forward.
How We Can Support You
We provide a range of specialist family violence services across the West Coast region.
Crisis Support
24-hour crisis support and confidential help when you need it most.
Safe Accommodation
Safehouse accommodation is available on a case-by-case basis for wāhine and their tamariki, with supported housing options for tāne.
Please note: This support is dependent on eligibility criteria and assessment of individual circumstances and safety needs.
Advocacy & Support
Practical support in navigating organisations such as Police, Oranga Tamariki, WINZ, courts, and housing providers.
Safety Planning
Individualised safety plans developed together to support the safety of you and your whānau.
Specialist Programmes
Safety programmes for wāhine, tamariki, and rangatahi.
Information & Advice
Clear, practical information to help people make informed decisions on their next steps.
Family violence is not always physical
Many people experiencing family violence do not immediately recognise what is happening to them.
Family violence can include:
Constant criticism, intimidation, or humiliation
Isolation from friends, whānau, or support networks
Controlling money, communication, or daily decisions
Threats, manipulation, or fear
Monitoring phones, movements, or online activity
Physical or sexual abuse
Patterns of coercion and control
You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out.
You do not need to be “ready to leave”.
You do not need to go through this alone.
Supporting safer futures across the West Coast
West Coast Women’s Refuge has supported the West Coast community since 1983. Today, we continue to work alongside local organisations, partner agencies, and whānau to help create safer, stronger futures across the whole of the West Coast.
Our work is about more than responding to crisis.
It is about helping people rebuild safety, restoring mana, dignity, confidence, and connection — one person, one whānau, and one step at a time.
You can stay up to date on all our news and activities on socials.
Need support or want to talk?
Our team is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
0800 208 339
🏳️🌈 Everyone deserves safety. Everyone belongs here.
Womens Refuge West Coast is an affiliated member of the Women’s Refuge National Collective, working alongside refuges across Aotearoa to support women and whānau experiencing family violence.
Quick Links
View our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions here.
© Womens Refuge West Coast 2026. All Rights Reserved.