If you are in immediate danger right now, please call 999. For 24-hour domestic abuse support call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (free, women) or the Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327.
When returning home isn't safe
After leaving an abusive partner or family member, returning to the home to collect belongings is often impossible — and frequently dangerous. The perpetrator may still live there, may return unpredictably, or may have changed the locks. Even where the property is technically empty, the act of walking back in can trigger a degree of psychological distress that no one should be asked to carry alone. Our job is to take that step on the survivor's behalf, from a list they have written, at a time the survivor has chosen.
How a survivor support collection works
A typical job begins with a confidential phone call or a referral from a women's aid worker, refuge manager or police domestic abuse officer. We agree what is being collected (a written list, usually room-by-room), when (a window the perpetrator is reliably out of the property — work hours are common), how (with or without police presence), and where everything will be delivered to. We arrive in an unmarked vehicle, in plain workwear, and complete the collection in a single visit wherever we can. The survivor never has to attend.
Coordination with police and refuges
Where the perpetrator is in the home or might return, we ask for police attendance before we enter. The local police force can be requested via 101 to attend in support of a peaceful collection — they will not normally arrest anyone unless an offence is being committed, but their presence deters confrontation. Refuge providers can coordinate the booking with us directly so the survivor never has to make the call themselves. We work with refuges across the UK and are familiar with their protocols.
What we take, what we leave
We work strictly from your written list. We will not take items that are not on the list — even if they look obviously yours — without confirmation. This protects you in any future dispute over ownership. Documents, passports, birth certificates, medication, jewellery, children's school records and comfort items are our priority on a first collection. Bulkier items (furniture, larger appliances) can be arranged for a second visit if you have somewhere to put them.
Female crew, complete confidentiality
All of our safeguarding work is handled by DBS-checked operatives. A female-led crew is available on request at no additional cost. The destination address is held by one named supervisor only and is not written on any paperwork that travels with the crew. We do not photograph the property and do not use this work in any marketing or case-study material — your job will never appear on our website.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you collect after a survivor has left?
We can usually attend within 24-48 hours for a planned collection. For an emergency same-day collection where the survivor has just left and the perpetrator is known to be out for a limited window, we hold capacity to respond within hours. Please ring the helpline directly.
Will the perpetrator know I've sent you?
Not unless you tell them. Our crew wear plain workwear and arrive in unmarked vehicles. We do not leave signage and do not engage in conversation with anyone present at the property other than a named contact you have nominated.
Can the police be there?
Yes — and where the perpetrator is known to be aggressive or unpredictable, we strongly recommend it. Police presence can be requested via 101 in the days before, or arranged at short notice through your local domestic-abuse officer. We will not enter an unsafe property without that support.
What if I'm not sure what I want collected?
That is normal. We work room-by-room with you over the phone, or via video call, to build the list together before the visit. We start with essentials — documents, medication, children's belongings — and can return later for anything else.
How much does it cost?
Most survivor support collections are quoted in the £200–£500 range for a single-visit collection of personal belongings, including delivery to your safe address. We operate framework rates with several women's-aid services — if you are referred through a refuge or a domestic-abuse advisor please mention this when you call.