Rail to Refuge
Free train travel for those fleeing domestic abuse.
Rail to Refuge is a joint initiative between rail companies and Women’s Aid in which train operators cover the cost of train tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation.
Donate today to help survivors access the lifesaving support they need and help them reach refuge.
If you are experiencing abuse, we are here for you
We know asking for help isn’t easy. But if you think you’re in an abusive relationship, reaching out for support can be an important first step. Services are fully trained and can give you a confidential space to explore your options and make safe decisions. You may be referred to a refuge and Rail to Refuge could help you get there.
The following organisations are part of Rail to Refuge.
Why is Rail to Refuge needed?
First introduced by train operators, Southeastern and GWR, the Rail to Refuge scheme became a nationwide initiative in April 2020 when a rise in domestic abuse was reported due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. In the first year the scheme helped get 1,348 survivors, including 362 children over five to safety.
This scheme genuinely does save lives. Survivors escaping domestic abuse are usually advised to seek refuge services far away from their perpetrator, but for many, raising the cash to pay for a train ticket can be very difficult and become a barrier to seeking refuge. This is especially true for women experiencing economic abuse, who may have no access to cash.
“When I needed help but couldn’t afford a train ticket, I was told about the Rail to Refuge program. At that point, I realised I could leave, and I wasn’t trapped anymore.”
Rail to Refuge FAQs
I need help and want to make a journey, what do I do?
Unfortunately, it is not possible for you to book your own ticket. To obtain a ticket, you need to have a confirmed refuge space. The refuge will then book your ticket for you.
If you are experiencing abuse and need support, please use the Women’s Aid Live Chat open Monday – Friday, 10am – 2pm. Our expert support workers will be able to help you and signpost to any available refuge spaces.
Why can’t I book my own ticket?
To ensure that survivors of domestic abuse are the only beneficiaries of the scheme and that all claims for free tickets are valid, the ticket holder must have a confirmed refuge space in a domestic abuse service known by the participating rail companies.
Will my name be recorded?
No, the refuge will book your ticket so they will provide their details on the booking. You do not need to provide any details apart from your starting station and your arrival station. Only this information will be recorded and it will not be linked to you or your name.
Can my children use this service?
Yes, if they are travelling with you. When speaking with a support worker, please ask for tickets for your children too. Rail travel is free for all children under 5. If your child is under 5, they do not need a ticket.
I have a ticket, what do I need to collect it and use it?
You will need either:
- A mobile phone which can receive an e-ticket. This is so the refuge can share the collection code with you via text or Whatsapp.
OR - Any debit or credit card. You will need to use this to collect the ticket, alongside a collection code the refuge will share with you. It does not have to be the same card which was used to book the ticket and your card will not be charged.
We know that this is not perfect, and we are working on ways where the ticket can be collected without the need for a card or smartphone.
How many survivors have used the Rail to Refuge scheme?
Since its launch, the scheme has helped 3,118 survivors including 874 children reach safety. On average, Rail to Refuge helps 4 survivors, including children, find safety each day.
Is the scheme nationwide?
Yes. Rail to Refuge launched with Southeastern and then Great Western Rail in March 2020 . When the country went into lockdown, the Rail Delivery Group were quick to respond to women’s needs and launched a temporary, nationwide scheme in April 2020.
Is the scheme available in Northern Ireland?
The Rail Delivery Group only operate in England, Scotland and Wales. However, Women in Northern Ireland can get support from Women’s Aid Northern Ireland. Where there is a similar scheme in place.
How are the tickets paid for?
The Rail Delivery Group covers the cost of nationwide travel.
Can men use Rail to refuge?
22 Women’s Aid member services provide refuge places for men. If a man has a confirmed refuge place in one of them, they can book the ticket for him and any children. Additionally, Respect, who run the Men’s Advice Line, can book tickets.
How can people help survivors?
- People can help by raising awareness of this life-saving scheme.
- Share information on our services: Women’s Aid’s digital direct services continue to run, they include the Women’s Aid Live Chat (open Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm and Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm), email service, Survivors’ Forum and the Survivor’s Handbook, they can all be found here: www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support
- Donate to Women’s Aid so we can support more survivors.
I work for a Women’s Aid member service and would like to use the scheme
Please visit the Member’s section of the website for information on how to book free tickets for survivors.
I work with vulnerable people and would like to use the scheme but my organisation is not a Women’s Aid member
If you refer a survivor to a Women’s Aid member service and a refuge space is confirmed, the refuge can then book tickets for the survivor.
Why can only Women’s Aid member services book tickets?
In order to ensure survivors of domestic abuse benefit from the scheme, National Rail Enquires, Great Western Rail and Southeastern will check the domain name of the requester’s email against our list of member services.
During the first trial, free rail travel requests were received from non-domestic abuse organisations. To relieve the burden of checking if a claim is valid, the train companies requested that we share our members’ domain names with them. We are only able to share the information of our members, not organisations we don’t have a relationship with.
We are working on ways that the scheme could include non-members, please contact [email protected] for more information.
Help raise awareness of this life-saving scheme
We need domestic abuse survivors to be aware of the Rail to Refuge scheme to help them reach safety. You can play a vital part by simply helping raise awareness.
Share now by clicking on the social icons
Download and promote the Rail to Refuge promotional materials
‘How to support survivors by raising awareness of Rail to Refuge’ guide
Rail to Refuge poster/flyer to share
Share our GIF about how Rail to Refuge works
Open the link and right click the image to “Save image as…” and save the gif to your device.
Text to use on social media: ‘Rail to Refuge’ is a national scheme – providing free train tickets to a safe refuge for anyone wanting to flee domestic abuse. The service can be accessed at www.womensaid.org.uk/rail-to-refuge
Share our graphic on how many have been helped by Rail to Refuge
Open the link and right click the image to “Save image as…” and save the image to your device.
Text to use on social media: ‘Rail to Refuge’ is a national scheme – providing free train tickets to a safe refuge for anyone wanting to flee domestic abuse. The service can be accessed at www.womensaid.org.uk/rail-to-refuge
Share our graphic on how many survivors Rail to Refuge supports each day
Open the link and right click the image to “Save image as…” and save the image to your device.
Text to use on social media: ‘Rail to Refuge’ is a national scheme – providing free train tickets to a safe refuge for anyone wanting to flee domestic abuse. The service can be accessed at www.womensaid.org.uk/rail-to-refuge
Share our graphic on how many survivors would not have been able to travel without Rail to Refuge
Open the link and right click the image to “Save image as…” and save the image to your device.
Text to use on social media: ‘Rail to Refuge’ is a national scheme – providing free train tickets to a safe refuge for anyone wanting to flee domestic abuse. The service can be accessed at www.womensaid.org.uk/rail-to-refuge
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