Domestic abuse and how to get help
How to get help for domestic abuse in Southwark
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If you're in danger right now
- if you're in immediate danger, call the police on 999
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Refuge
If you're experiencing any kind of domestic or sexual abuse, contact Southwark Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) delivered by Refuge for help:
- 0118 214 7150
- email the Southwark Domestic Abuse Service
Refuge is the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK and they are delivering domestic and sexual violence community-based services to those living in Southwark who have experienced or are at risk of, gender-based violence including:
- domestic violence and abuse
- rape, sexual violence
- prostitution
- trafficking for sexual exploitation
- stalking and harassment
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
- forced marriage
- so-called ‘honor’-based abuse
Refuge supports thousands of survivors on any given day, helping them overcome the physical, emotional, financial, and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives - free from fear.
They can help by providing the following services:
- Independent Gender-Based Violence Advocates (IGVAs) - provide information, advice, and intensive advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence and abuse
- Sanctuary Scheme - implements safety measures in victim’s homes
- Perpetrators Service - offers opportunities to change through 1-to-1 intensive sessions
- Survivor group work programme - 12-week group which supports women to regain ownership of their lives
- Counselling (in partnership with Bede House) - 16-week 1-2-1 counselling programme for survivors of domestic and/or sexual abuse
- Children’s Therapeutic Support (In Partnership with Bede House) - Qualified Children’s Therapists provide a 1-2-1 12 week play and arts-based therapeutic intervention
National domestic abuse support
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (run by Refuge) is a 24 hour freephone helpline - 080 8 200 0247
- Women’s Aid Live Chat is available Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 12pm
- Hollie Guard is an app that turns a smartphone into a personal safety device by notifying your chosen contact if you're in danger
Page last updated: 18 May 2023
