Domestic abuse and how to get help in Southwark
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How to get help for domestic abuse in Southwark
Southwark Domestic Abuse Service (delivered by 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
- sdas@refuge.org.uk
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 - a 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
Safe Spaces
Southwark Safe Spaces are for victim-survivors of domestic abuse.
We understand that many people experiencing domestic abuse are unable to make a safe phone call from home or on a mobile phone.
A Safe Space is a confidential, private and safe room for people who are experiencing domestic abuse, where they can access resources for support and make a phone call to get help.
There are 72 Safe Spaces rooms across the borough that carry the Safe Spaces logo. 43 are open to the public. 29 are closed to parents whose children attend that school.
Find the location of your closest Safe Space or email communitysafety@southwark.gov.uk.
For more information about Safe Spaces
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: 13 March 2024
