Refuge, the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse charity, has partnered with tradeswomen platform TaskHer to carry out essential maintenance across a number of its safe houses using a trauma-informed approach
The trauma-informed collaboration tackles a key safeguarding challenge. With around 95% of tradespeople male, the presence of male contractors can be distressing for women recovering from abuse.
By working with TaskHer, Refuge has reduced anxiety for residents while ensuring its confidential accommodation remains safe and fully operational.
In 2025, TaskHer completed 60 projects across 12 Refuge properties, including electrical upgrades, plumbing works, redecorating and consumer unit replacements, supporting the charity’s efforts to prioritise residents’ comfort, dignity and choice while enabling faster, safer move-ins.
Meeting maintenance and wellbeing needs
Lisa Cantwell-Hope, head of property services at Refuge, said: “Maintaining safe, habitable accommodation is fundamental to the support we provide. However, for some survivors, the presence of male contractors can be triggering due to past trauma. Working with TaskHer has enabled us to carry out essential repairs while prioritising residents’ comfort, dignity and sense of safety. It’s a practical safeguarding consideration that makes a meaningful difference in day-to-day operations.”
Anna Moynihan, co-founder of TaskHer, said: “Safe houses are meant to be exactly that, safe. For women rebuilding their lives after abuse, even something as routine as a repair visit can bring anxiety. The reality is that stepping into these spaces requires more than technical skill, it requires empathy and understanding.
“Our tradeswomen know they’re not just fixing electrics or plumbing, they’re walking into someone’s place of refuge at a deeply vulnerable time. If simply changing who carries out that work helps a survivor feel calmer, more at ease, and truly safe in her own space, that’s incredibly powerful. We’re proud to support Refuge in creating environments where women can begin to heal without added fear or distress.”
The initiative “shows how the sector can respond practically to the needs of vulnerable residents”
Erin, a TaskHer electrician who has worked on multiple Refuge properties commented: “The work itself is often routine – replacing consumer units, fault-finding, general repairs – but the environment isn’t, it requires awareness and sensitivity. You’re aware that this is someone’s place of safety. If having a female tradesperson helps residents feel more comfortable while essential work is carried out, that matters. It shows how the sector can respond practically to the needs of vulnerable residents.”
The collaboration highlights a wider issue within the built environment sector, with a predominantly male workforce and demonstrates how contractor choice can form part of a broader trauma-informed approach to housing management.
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