Domestic Abuse Recovery Programmes and Support
One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Domestic abuse can be emotional, physical, sexual, economic, coercive or psychological, such as:
- kicking, hitting, punching, cutting or throwing objects
- rape (including in a relationship)
- controlling someone’s finances by withholding money or stopping someone earning
- controlling behaviour, like telling someone where they can go and what they can wear
- not letting someone leave the house
- reading emails, text messages or letters
- threatening to kill someone or harm them
- threatening to another family member or pet.
So if someone at home is hurting you or another member of your family, that is not okay. There is help out there for you.
If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing domestic abuse, you can phone The National Domestic Abuse Helpline to discuss your options: call 0808 2000 247
In 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. Their services support women and girls aged 13 and over, and men aged 16 or over – including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or are unsure of their sexuality. The Athena service also supports transgender clients who identify as male, female, as another gender, or are questioning their gender identity.
Telephone: 0800 112 4052
Email: lewishamvawg@refuge.org.uk
Website refuge.org.uk
National Services
CHILDREN EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC ABUSE
Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people who are or have been in a relationship, and it can seriously harm children and young people – experiencing domestic abuse is child abuse.
Living in a home where domestic abuse happens can have a serious impact on a child or young person’s wellbeing and behaviour. This can continue after the adults’ relationship has come to an end, and post-separation abuse and controlling behaviours can continue to affect the child’s life, with the impact lasting into adulthood.
If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child or young person who may be experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact the Lewisham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 020 8314 6660 Monday -Friday 9am-5pm.
You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 Monday-Friday 11am-5pm, or by emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk
In an emergency dial 999.
RECOVERY PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN IN LEWISHAM
(children aged 4-11 years)
(babies and children under 5 years)
CODA is a 12-week psychoeducational programme for women & children aged 4-11 years who have experienced Domestic Abuse. It provides a community based setting for children to share and talk about their experiences, so they understand abuse, reduce their self-blame, can do some planning to keep themselves safe, and learn how to manage their emotions so they can be expressed appropriately.
CODA enables the recovery process and aims to:
- Validate the children’s experiences
- Reduce the self-blame that is commonly associated with children experiencing abuse
- Develop a child-appropriate safety plan
- Manage appropriate and inappropriate expressions of emotion
- Enhance the mother-child relationship
- Enable both the mother and child to heal together
There is a separate programme for the children and the mothers, these run concurrently.
CODA was previously co-ordinated by Early Years Alliance, but is now part of the Family Hubs offer in Lewisham. For details of current CODA programmes, contact add family hubs live link to their DA Page here
Impact of the CODA Programme
The videos below illustrate the impact that our recovery support – in the form of the CODA Programme – has had on children. Using the voices of the children, these powerful videos encapsulate the child’s lived experience and what they have gained as a result of attending the CODA Programme.
(Note: the children’s voices have been disguised to maintain their anonymity).
JUNIPER
There is an assumption that unborn children and pre-verbal babies/children and toddlers are not as aware of the abuse that is going on and therefore not so negatively affected. However, recent research suggests that children who experience domestic abuse as babies are even more likely to experience negative outcomes than older children. Pre-school children who have experienced domestic abuse therefore require targeted help and support due to the profound impact it has on their well-being and development.
The JUNIPER Programme is a 10-week psycho-educational programme for babies and children 0-4 years co-ordinated by the Early Years Alliance in Lewisham.
It utilises aspects from attachment theory, play therapy techniques and neuroscience research. It uses a concurrent parallel approach however, there is also an element of bringing the mothers and children together. Due to the young age of the children, and the possible significant impacts on attachment, this gives an opportunity for mothers to safely ‘practice’ some of the skills they learn in their groups, alongside their peers and trusted facilitators.
The programme structure is shown below:
Weeks 1-4 – mothers and children attend their own groups for one hour and 45 mins – two hours. This includes a break and free play time for the children.
Weeks 5-10 – as in the diagram above, with the groups joining together for a debrief (the children’s facilitators tell the mothers what their children have been doing), snacks and free play followed by a joint session with mothers and children together, supported by the group facilitators.
Aims:
- To create a safe, supportive environment for both mother and infant/child
- To increase the mother-child relationship and promote their attachment
- To positively influence development of the infant/child
- To empower women as mothers and as individuals
- To help mothers understand the impacts of domestic abuse and trauma on their child
- To promote therapeutic parenting techniques
- To provide greater understanding about safety and support services
- To enhance mothers sense of self-worth, confidence and wellbeing
Juniper programmes will be running shortly.
If you would like further information about the programme and the next available course, please email Lewisham.Secure@eyalliance.org.uk
OUR IMPACT
DA Recovery Service
Report 2023
The Timekeeper:
Produced by the Early Years Alliance
DA Recovery Service
Infographic 2023
Domestic Abuse Information and Support Services
| A | Website or contact details | Services Offered |
| AAFDA – Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse | https://aafda.org.uk/what-we-do | Help with Domestic Homicide Reviews, Inquests, Mental Health Reviews, Listening and advice |
| Advance | https://www.advancecharity.org.uk/ | Domestic abuse, criminal justice, young women and girls services |
| AGE UK | https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/relationships-family/protection-from-abuse/domestic-abuse/ | Information on domestic abuse, what it looks like and peoples stories. |
| Asha | Advice: 020 8696 0023 | Advice & Refuge placements for South Asian women threatened with or experiencing domestic and / or sexual violence, has recourse to public funds, is 18 years and over. |
| Ashiana | https://www.ashiana.org.uk/ | Advice and Advocacy, Counselling Support, Professional Training, Immigration Advice & Advocacy, Support Groups and Outreach, Youth and Community Services. |
| Ask for ANI | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ask-for-ani-domestic-abuse-codeword-information-for-pharmacies | Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) is a codeword scheme that enables victims of domestic abuse to discreetly ask for immediate help in participating pharmacies and Jobcentres (Jobs and Benefits Offices in Northern Ireland). |
| B | Website | Services Offered |
| Breathing Space (AVA) | https://www.breathingspace-ava.org.uk/ | Online tool to support victims of domestic abuse. It is a 24 hour helpline and is run by AVA (Against Violence and Abuse). |
| Bright Sky App | https://www.hestia.org/brightsky | Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else. Bright Sky helps you to spot the signs of abuse, know how to respond, and help someone find a safe route to support. |
| Broken Rites | https://www.brokenrites.org/ | Broken Rites is an international group offering mutual support and information to separated and divorced spouses and partners of clergy and recognised ministers. |
| C | Website | Services Offered |
| Childline | https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/our-services/childline/ | Our Childline service gives children and young people a voice when no one else is listening. Whatever problems or dangers they face, we give them somewhere to turn to for support when they need it. Call Free on 0800 1111 |
| Children Heard & Seen | https://childrenheardandseen.co.uk/ | Children Heard and Seen support children, young people and their families who are impacted by parental imprisonment. |
| Courageous Project | https://www.wgn.org.uk/young-womens-services/courageus-project | Support for Black and minoritised young women. This includes those from ethnic minority groups, LGBT+ and disabled young women. |
| CLINKS | https://www.clinks.org/directory | An online database listing hundreds of voluntary and community organisations working with people in the criminal justice system. |
| D | Website | Services Offered |
| The Death Health Charity – Signhealth | https://signhealth.org.uk/ | Services to support Deaf people in leading independent, safe and healthy lives, including support with Domestic Abuse |
| Domestic Violence Intervention Project | https://dvip.org/services-for-men-women/mens-services/ | Any man who wants to end his abusive behaviour towards his partner or ex-partner. Men of any age, background, race and religion are welcome. |
| E | Website | Services Offered |
| F | Website | Services Offered |
| FGM – NSPCC | https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ | Female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal. NSPCC offer support and advice to help keep children and young people safe from FGM. |
| Forward | https://www.forwarduk.org.uk/ | African women-led women’s rights organisation working to end violence against women and girls, FGM & Child Marriage |
| Forced Marriage Unit | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage#how-the-forced-marriage-unit-can-help | The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is a joint Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Home Office unit which leads on the government’s forced marriage policy, outreach and casework. It operates both inside the UK (where support is provided to any individual) and overseas (where consular assistance is provided to British nationals, including dual nationals). |
| For Baby’s Sake | https://www.forbabyssake.org.uk/ | Breaking the cycle of domestic abuse and giving babies the best start. We welcome approaches and referrals from midwives, local authority and other multi-agency professionals, or parents themselves, in areas covered by our local teams or more widely through For Baby’s Sake CONNECT (online service only for Lewisham residents) |
| Freedom Project – Dog’s Trust | https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/freedom-project | The Freedom Project is a dog fostering service for people fleeing domestic abuse. |
| G | Website | Services Offered |
| GALOP | https://galop.org.uk/ | Supporting LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse or violence |
| H | Website | Services Offered |
| Halo Project | https://www.haloproject.org.uk/ | Domestic and Sexual Abuse, Honour-Based Violence, Forced Marriage, FGM, We provide safeguarding and culturally appropriate confidential advice, help and support to Black and Minoritised Women and girls who are at risk of and/or are survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. This includes searching for safe accommodation, outreach support, safety planning and ongoing support to those at risk of harm and abuse. Our Specialist Safeguarding Support Hub not only provides tailored advocacy to victims and survivors of abuse, we also provide expert support to professionals for enhanced safeguarding and better outcomes for victim and survivors. |
| HM Government Legal Advice | https://find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk/ | Search for a legal adviser or family mediator with a legal aid contract in England and Wales. |
| HM Government Get support as a victim of crime | https://www.gov.uk/get-support-as-a-victim-of-crime | |
| HM Government Support for Victims receiving unwanted contact | https://www.gov.uk/get-support-as-a-victim-of-crime | a service for victims to contact HMPPS to report unwanted letters, phone calls, texts or messages from a prisoner |
| Hot Peach Pages | https://www.hotpeachpages.net/ | Abuse information and support for every woman and every girl on Earth. |
| Hollie Guard App | https://hollieguard.com/ | Help protect yourself, a friend or a family member with Hollie Guard. Every 5 seconds the platform will update your precise location based on your speed and movement activity to identify where you are once an alert has been raised. HollieGuard is a personal alarm, deterrent, evidence catcher and more. Providing a lot more functionality than a regular keyring alarm for absolutely anyone who has safety in mind. |
| Hourglass | https://www.wearehourglass.org/abuse | Hourglass helpline, we work for safer ageing and a fairer society. Support for older people who are being abused. Help with financial, sexual, psychological, physical & domestic abuse and neglect. |
| I | Website | Services Offered |
| Iranian & Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation | https://ikwro.org.uk/ | Safeguarding and empowering women against “honour” based abuse. |
| IMECE Women’s Centre | https://imece.org.uk/services/vawg/ | We deliver woman-centred, holistic, linguistic and culturally sensitive support to Turkish, Kurdish, Cypriot Turkish and other Turkish speaking women as well as Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic and Refuge women, aged 16 and over, with no recourse to public funds experiencing immigration, language, emotional and physical wellbeing barriers and with limited knowledge and experience of the UK cultural norms and criminal justice system. including: financial and emotional abuse, stalking, harassment, rape and other sexual abuse, harmful practices (namely forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and FGM), as well as trafficking for sexual exploitation and prostitution. |
| IMKAAN | https://www.imkaan.org.uk/ | The only UK-based, umbrella women’s organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and Minoritised women and girls i.e. women which are defined in policy terms as Black and ‘Minority Ethnic’ (BME). |
| Jewish Women’s Aid | https://www.jwa.org.uk/ | For Jewish women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence. providing information advice and support. |
| K | Website | Services Offered |
| Karma Nirvana | https://karmanirvana.org.uk/ | Established in 1993 as the first specialist charity for victims and survivors. We are committed to ending Honour Based Abuse in the UK. |
| Kooth – App | https://www.kooth.com/ | Online mental wellbeing community |
| L | Website | Services Offered |
| Lewisham Refugee & Migrant Network | https://www.lrmn.org.uk/ | Services that help people from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to rebuild their lives – such as gardening sessions and English language classes.When times are tough, we make sure to support people through it. We help people meet their basic needs – such as providing food, hardship funds and more, Confidential immigration, housing and welfare benefits advice to people from refugee, asylum seeker and migrant backgrounds living in Lewisham and neighbouring boroughs, Advice, Wellbeing (including counselling and emotional support), Women Together Group |
| Legal Adcive – Gov.UK | https://find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk/ | You can search for a legal aid solicitor. Search for a legal adviser or family mediator. |
| Loving Me | https://www.lovingme.uk/ | We provide high quality support by trained specialists who understand the specific needs of the trans community as well as abuse and are a by-and-for service. The service is user-led which means that we provide support based on what the individual would like or needs |
| M | Website | Services Offered |
| Mankind | https://mankind.org.uk/ | Our confidential helpline is available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers. |
| Male Survivors Partnership | https://malesurvivor.co.uk/support-for-male-survivors/directory-of-services/ | Male survivors partnership providing a directory of services. For information and advice across the UK. |
| Muslim Women’s Network | https://www.mwnuk.co.uk/ | Supporting Muslim women and girls on key issues affecting them and use the information to improve their rights. |
| N | Website | Services Offered |
| NSPCC | https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ | Supporting families with information and support on topics around keeping their child safe |
| O | Website | Services Offered |
| One in Four | https://oneinfour.org.uk/ | At One in Four, we specialise in supporting childhood survivors and current survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, abuse and trauma and raising awareness of this challenging issue. |
| Operation Compass | https://www.operationencompass.org/teachers-helpline | The helpline is for school staff to seek guidance and discuss a child experiencing domestic abuse. |
| P | Website | Services Offered |
| Paladin | https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/ | An organisation aiming to assist high risk victims of stalking in England and Wales, keeping victims and children safe. |
| PEGS | https://www.pegsupport.co.uk/ | PEGS is a social enterprise set up to support parents, carers and guardians who are experiencing Child to Parent Abuse (including those with adult offspring). We don’t directly work with the child displaying the behaviours but have a network of partners whose expertise lies in this area. |
| Project 17 | https://www.project17.org.uk/ | Project 17 works to end destitution among migrant families with no recourse to public funds. We work with families experiencing exceptional poverty to improve their access to local authority support. |
| Q | Website | Services Offered |
| Quaggy Counselling | https://quaggydevelopmenttrust.org/counselling-service/ | Quaggy Community Counselling Service (QCCS) provides low-cost, individual counselling to adults (18 years+) in Greenwich and Lewisham. Fees are means tested, starting at £2 per session for those who are not working. |
| QWELL | https://www.qwell.io/ | Qwell is a free, safe and anonymous mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK |
| R | Website | Services Offered |
| Rape Crisis | https://rapecrisis.org.uk/ | for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other form of sexual violence – at any point in their life |
| Rail to Refuge | https://www.womensaid.org.uk/what-we-do/supporting-our-members/rail-to-refuge/ | providing free rail travel to refuge accommodation for women, men and children fleeing domestic abuse |
| RASAC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre) | https://www.rasasc.org.uk/ | Counselling, Advocacy & Support Line |
| Refuge | https://refuge.org.uk/ | Supporting those who have experienced abuse, mainly support women and children, but our community services also extend to men. Support is individual to each person and can include refuge, emotional, benefits, legal and tech support. |
| Resolution | https://resolution.org.uk/find-a-law-professional/ | Resolution members sign up to our Code of Practice committing to a non-confrontational approach to help you resolve your family issue. |
| Respect Men’s Advice Line | https://mensadviceline.org.uk/ | The Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse. |
| Respect | https://www.respect.uk.net/ | Respect is a pioneering UK membership organisation in the domestic abuse sector. We lead on the development of safe, effective work with perpetrators, male victims, and young people using violence in their close relationships. |
| Restored | https://www.restored-uk.org/ | A network of churches standing against domestic abuse, shining a light in the darkness, providing a place of safety for survivors. |
| Revenge Porn Helpline | https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/ | UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn |
| Rights of Women | https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/ | Women’s charity working in a number of ways to help women through the law. Services aim to provide women with the legal advice and information they need to understand and use the law and their legal rights. We also work to improve the law for women and increase women’s access to justice. |
| S | Website | Services Offered |
| Safeline | https://safeline.org.uk/ | Safeline is a specialist sexual violence and abuse charity led by the needs of its clients. Free, specialist trauma-informed support to people who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any time in their lives, including those who support them. Support for children at risk and their families to help prevent child sexual abuse |
| Safety4Sisters | https://www.safety4sisters.org/ | If you are a woman experiencing abuse and you have no recourse to public funds then Safety4Sisters is able to talk to you about your options. You may think there is no way to leave if you are dependent on your partner’s immigration status, if you have no recourse to public funds or if you have no money. This is not the case, so please do get in touch. |
| Saheli | https://www.saheli.org.uk/ | Saheli (meaning friend) is a charity making a big difference in the local community, providing safe spaces, culturally sensitive support, language assistance, and a voice and identity to Black Asian and minortised women facing violence in their lives. |
| SAWN | https://sawn.org.uk/ | We support Black African women in our community to help them thrive and become independent and confident individuals. Providing events to make women independent, self-sustaining, and key players in matters that concern them. |
| Sexual Assault Centres | https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centres | centres providing medical, practical and emotional support to all victims of sexual assault. |
| Signhealth – the Deaf Health Charity | https://signhealth.org.uk/with-deaf-people/domestic-abuse/ | The majority of our 150 staff are Deaf people. Together we are working to improve health and wellbeing for everyone. |
| Sistah Space | https://www.sistahspace.org/ | Supporting African & Caribbean Heritage Women Affected by Domestic & Sexual Abuse |
| Southall Black Sisters | https://southallblacksisters.org.uk/ | helpline, advocacy for those in boroighs adjacent to Ealing |
| National Stalking Helpline | https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/national-stalking-helpline | Helpline and self-referral for those who are or suspect that thay are being stalked. Including cyber-stalking, legal advice pages too. |
| Stay Safe East | https://www.staysafe-east.org.uk/ | Stay Safe East is run by and for disabled people. We provide advocacy and support services to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, harassment and other forms of abuse. We serve communities in London |
| Surviving Economic Abuse | https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/ | One in six women in the UK has experienced economic abuse by a current or former partner. Economic abuse rarely happens in isolation; it normally happens alongside other forms of domestic abuse. |
| Survivors UK | https://www.survivorsuk.org/#section-1 | We are here for any man, boy or non-binary person who has ever experienced unwanted sexual activity (such as words, images or touch). We can chat with you here through webchat, or by texting |
| T | Website | Services Offered |
| The Outside Project | https://lgbtiqoutside.org/ | London’s LGBTIQ+ Community Shelter, Centre and Domestic Abuse Refuge |
| The Havens | https://www.thehavens.org.uk/how-we-can-help/ | We’re here to help you if you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted in the past 12 months. . If you have been sexually assaulted in the last seven days and would like advice about forensic examination or about reporting to the police please call us on 020 3299 6900. You can call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for an initial assessment. When we need to see you urgently, such as for a forensic medical examination (FME), we aim to see you within 90 minutes. We offer an appointment based service for forensic medical examinations. If you have been sexually assaulted in the last seven days and would like advice about forensic examination or about reporting to the police please call us on 020 3299 6900. Please do not walk in to our service as we will be unable to see you. If you would like advice about support following sexual assault that took place over seven days ago please call us on 020 3299 1599. We also offer follow-up care, including counselling, tests and treatments. |
| Turn2Us | https://www.turn2us.org.uk/ | Find the Benefits Calculator; Grants Search; details about Turn2us’ direct grant-giving funds; and links to other sources of information and help https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Get-Support |
| V | Website | Services Offered |
| Victim Support | https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ | Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents. |
| W | Website | Services Offered |
| Women’s Aid | https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ | Find a local service, or connect to services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Find refuges and domestic abuse services in your area in England. Contact details for Scottish Women’s Aid, Welsh Women’s Aid and Women’s Aid Federation of Northern Ireland are also available. |
| Women’s & Girls Network | https://www.wgn.org.uk/ | We are a free service run by women, for women in London who have been affected by all forms of violence and abuse. |
