Domestic abuse and how to receive help

How to get help for domestic abuse in Southwark

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If you're in danger right now

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

If you need help contact Southwark Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) by Refuge:

Refuge is 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

Southwark Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) delivered by Refuge can help you by providing:

  • Independent Gender-Based Violence Advocates (IGVAs) – work with people who are residents in Southwark from the age of 16; the IGVAs will support all levels of risk; high, medium, standard and provide information advice and guidance, effective case management and intensive advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence and abuse
  • Housing IDVA Specialist support for survivors of domestic abuse with complex housing issues; co-located within Southwark Housing Solutions service, and referrals directly received from housing teams
  • Sanctuary Scheme aims to minimise the number of households, families and individuals who must leave their own home because of domestic abuse by exploring safe alternatives where appropriate such as implementing safety measures in victim’s homes
  • IRIS Advocate Educator specialist advocacy and support to clients with referrals received specifically from GP surgeries
  • Perpetrators Service The overarching goal of the service is to increase the safety and wellbeing of domestic abuse survivors and any children involved by intervening with perpetrators to hold them accountable and provide them with opportunities to change through 1-to-1 intensive case management sessions; to do this, the survivor also needs to be referred to the IGVA service so we can offer them support and assess any ongoing risks to them
  • Survivor group work programme - this 12-week group supports women to regain ownership of their lives when they have been subjected to abuse or violence
  • Counselling (In Partnership with Bede House) 16-week 1-2-1 counselling programme for survivors of domestic and/or sexual abuse; the service is for women and girls who are 14 years and over who are residents in or have a connection with Southwark and who have experienced domestic and/or sexual abuse
  • Children’s Therapeutic Support (In Partnership with Bede House) Qualified Children’s Therapist to provide a 1-2-1 12 week play and arts-based therapeutic intervention to children and young people

Frequently asked questions

What is gender-based abuse?

Gender-based abuse or violence against women and girls refers to acts of violence or abuse that we know disproportionately affect women and girls. Crimes and behaviour covered by this term include rape and other sexual offences, domestic abuse, stalking, ‘honour’-based abuse (including female genital mutilation forced marriage, and ‘honour’ killings), as well as many others, including offences committed online. Gender-based abuse also covers crimes such as coercive control.

Does Refuge support men?

Whilst women and girls are disproportionality affected by gender-based abuse, Refuge recognises men can be survivors too and we offer support to male survivors in our services. The group work and counselling services (run by Bede) are for women and girls only, but we can support male clients to find appropriate counselling services.

Why do you need consent from survivors?

We are a voluntary, client-led service; we understand that there are many barriers to accessing support, so it is important that people know why they have been referred and are in a place where they can consent to the support offered. We only work with survivors who are ready to access the service. Accessing domestic abuse services can be a challenging step for some survivors, so taking a trauma-informed approach is important. Refuge is happy to advise further, so call us if you'd like our support.

Please note, we can override consent when the survivor’s situation is deemed high risk and has been referred to the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC).

What about LGBTQ+ communities, can you help?

Yes, we do support people from the LGBTQ+ community and we provide an independent and non-judgmental service.

Can you help people with additional barriers?

Yes, we will try to meet the needs of survivors whatever the barriers for them are. Refuge has access to interpreters including British Sign Language interpreters.

How long do you keep cases open?

There is no set time period of how long Refuge work with survivors as the service is client-led, this can vary depending on the survivor’s needs.

Do you support children and young people?

Refuge is working in partnership with Bede House to deliver a play and arts-based children’s therapeutic programme to children and young people. Children aged 14 plus can also access the counselling service run by Bede. Children aged 16+ can access our advocacy service provided by the IGVAs.

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

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If you're in danger right now

Page last updated: 18 May 2023

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