Information and support on domestic abuse
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What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
There are different types of domestic abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, financial or emotional abuse, and being cut off from your family and friends.
Information, support and advice
We know every case is different so we will advise you of what options you have.
We will give you information about other agencies that offer further advice and support (on tenancy issues, legal advice and so on), and, with your permission, refer you for help. These agencies could include an independent advocacy service who will be able to give you specialist help and advice.
We can also refer you to the local authority’s Homeless Persons Unit if you need emergency temporary accommodation (for example, refuges).
We may also discuss options for keeping you safe in your home and any emergency repairs that may be required.
Keeping your information private
We will not give your details, or the information you provide, to anyone without your permission unless there are serious concerns for your or your children’s safety. In cases where there are safeguarding concerns we have a legal responsibility to share information.
Who else can support you?
Below we have listed a number of national support agencies as well as specialist support agencies in each of our main boroughs, so you can find support that is local to you.
National Support Organisations
National Domestic Violence helpline
A national helpline which is available every day of the year.
Freephone: 0808 2000 247.
Women's Aid on 0808 2000 247 if you are a woman facing abuse or violence http://www.womensaid.org.uk/
Victim Support
Victim Support provide a support service to all victims of domestic violence, including specialist support for young victims, male victims and those suffering domestic abuse within same-sex relationships.
08 08 16 89 111
Refuge
Supporting those who have experienced violence and abuse is at the core of everything we do. No matter what your experience – domestic violence, sexual violence, ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, FGM, human trafficking or modern slavery
Tel: 0808 2000 247
Childline
0800 1111
If you're a young person needing advice about domestic abuse
Men’s Advice Line - http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse and violence.
Phone: 0808 801 0327
Bright Sky mobile app
Find your nearest domestic abuse support service using the Bright Sky app. Bright Sky is available to download for free on both Android and iOS devices.
Legal Advice
South West London Law Centres - http://www.swllc.org/
South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.
Phone: 020 8767 2777
LBGTQ+ Domestic Abuse Services
Broken Rainbow on 0800 999 5428 for confidential support and advice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people who have experienced domestic abuse http://www.brokenrainbow.org.uk/
Stonewall Housing Drop-In
For LGBT survivors of Domestic Abuse who need help and advice on housing matters. Stonewall Housing is the specialist lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) housing advice and support provider, and works across all London boroughs. If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need help and advice around housing, they run a weekly drop-in held on Fridays between 2pm – 3:30pm at London Friend, 86 Caledonian Road, London N1 9DN
The London LGBT Domestic Abuse Partnership (DAP)
The DAP is made up of 4 LGBT agencies who each provide different services for LGBT victims/survivors of domestic abuse. With one phone call, you will be linked in with Stonewall Housing, Galop, Switchboard – LGBT+ Helpline, and London Friend.
Phone: 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428
Paws Protect is Cats Protection’s free, confidential cat fostering service for people fleeing domestic abuse, covering London and the home counties. Pets can present one of multiple barriers to people leaving abusive situations, so Paws Protect exist to enable people to leave for safety knowing that their cat will be in a loving home until they are able to be reunited.
https://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/paws-protect
Dogs Trust
The Freedom Project provides temporary foster care for dogs beloning to families fleeing domestic violence.
Domestic Abuse Services in our Boroughs
Bromley
Bromley & Corydon Women’s Aid - https://www.bcwa.org.uk/one-stop-shop/
This free service is for anyone suffering from domestic violence who feels that they could benefit from any help or advice. Confidential drop in session takes place every Thursday between 1.30pm and 4.00pm at the Community House, South Street, BR1 1RH.
Croydon
Bromley & Corydon Women’s Aid - https://www.bcwa.org.uk/one-stop-shop/
This free service is for anyone suffering from domestic violence who feels that they could benefit from any help or advice. Confidential drop in session takes place every Thursday between 1.30pm and 4.00pm at the Community House, South Street, BR1 1RH.
FJC (formerly Family Justice Centre) - https://www.croydon.gov.uk/community/dabuse/fjc
The centre can provide you and your family with support and a safety plan.
Telephone: 020 8688 0100
Email: fjc@croydon.gov.uk
Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre, South London
0808 802 9999
Cassandra Learning Centre - http://cassandracentre.org.uk/how-we-help/
1433B London Rd, London, SW16 4AW
Email : info@clcentre.org.uk
Phone: 0203 601 7475
Kingston upon Thames
The DV Hub (Kingston Domestic Violence Hub) - https://www.kingston.gov.uk/info/200314/domestic_and_sexual_violence/
The Kingston Domestic Violence (DV Hub) provides free, confidential, non-judgmental and independent support to anyone who is experiencing domestic violence.
The DV Hub phone line is open 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
Phone: 020 8547 6046
Email: kingstondvhub@refuge.org.uk
Lambeth
The Gaia Centre - https://www.refuge.org.uk/our-work/our-services/one-stop-shop-services/the-gaia-centre/
The Gaia Centre provides confidential, non-judgmental and independent support services for those living in the London borough of Lambeth who are experiencing gender-based violence.
If you’re in Lambeth, call the Gaia Centre on 020 7733 8724 or email lambethvawg@refuge.org.uk
African Well Women’s Clinic @ Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital
The clinic provides counselling, support, advice for women who have experienced female genital mutilation (FGM), as well as advice for practitioners. The clinic also provides the reversal or de-infibulation for type III FGM.
Women from anywhere across the UK can access the service.
Telephone number: 020 8188 6872 or 07956542576
Email address: Comfort.Momoh@gstt.nhs.uk
Lewisham
The Athena service, run by Refuge provides confidential, non-judgmental support to those living in the London Borough of Lewisham who are experiencing gender-based violence. It opened its doors in April 2015 and provides outreach programmes, independent advocacy, group support, refuge accommodation and a specialist service for young women.
Call 0800 112 4052 or email lewishamvawg@refuge.org.uk
Lewisham Children and Family Centres
They offer 1:1 family support in your home or in the community, can help you access specific domestic abuse services.
Merton
One Stop Shop
Merton has a confidential drop-in service for people experiencing domestic violence. It’s held every Monday between 9.30am -12.00 noon (except bank holidays) at Morden Baptist Church, Crown Lane, Morden, SM4 5BL. For further details call One Stop Shop on 020 7801 1777.
Victim Support Merton IDVA – Independent Domestic Violence Advisors – 020 7801 1777 merton.communityidva@victimsupport.org.uk
Southwark
Southwark Advocacy Support Service (SASS):
Provide support for victims of domestic abuse in the Borough.
Call: 020 7539 1290
Solace Women’s Aid - https://www.solacewomensaid.org/
Solace Women’s Aid offers free advice and support to women and children in London to build safe and strong lives.
Call 0808 802 5565
Email: advice@solacewomensaid.org
Southwark Wellbeing Hub
Can give you comprehensive information about what organisations, services and activities are available in your community, including Domestic Abuse support.
Call: 0203 751 9684
Email: southwarkhub@together-uk.org
Sutton
Sutton One Stop Shop
Free drop-in advice service for domestic violence victims at all risk levels.
Takes place every Wednesday morning, 9:30am - 11:30am, Sutton Baptist Church, 21 Cheam Road, Sutton SM1 1SN.
020 7801 1777
Sutton Women’s Centre
Provides local women with a safe space where they can access information, support, advice and education.
3 Palmerston Road, Sutton, SM1 4QL
0208 661 1991
Wandsworth
Wandsworth borough - Safety Net
This is an Independent Domestic Violence Advice (IDVA) service
Call 020 7801 1777, Monday – Friday 9am-5pm
Wandsworth One Stop Shop
The One Stop Shop is a drop-in service for those experiencing domestic violence and abuse in the borough. The One Stop Shop is held every Monday, except bank holidays, between 10am – 12:30pm at St Mark’s, Battersea Rise, SW11 1EJ.
Phone: 07884 340 117 or contact the Violence Against Women and Girls Coordinator Albina.Hiorns@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
During the Covid-19 crisis the One Stop shop is closed, but in the meantime you can contact the Victim Support service on 020 7801 1777, or email vs.wandsworth@victimsupport.cjsm.net