Improvements to our website

We have made changes to our website to improve the way it looks and to give residents a better experience. You can find out more about this update here. 

Domestic abuse and how to get help

How to get help for domestic abuse in Southwark

Use the exit button to leave these pages quickly

If you're using this section and you're worried about someone seeing what you're looking at, use the link below which takes you to the BBC home page.

Click here to exit to the BBC website

If you're in danger right now

Refuge

If you're experiencing any kind of domestic or sexual abuse, contact Southwark Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) delivered by Refuge for help:

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

}

Privacy settings