Violence against women and girls

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Violence against women and girls

‘Violence against woman and girls’ or ‘gender-based violence’ are terms used to explain a range of negative behaviours or violence including

• domestic abuse
• female genital mutilation
• honour-based abuse
• stalking
• street harassment
• sexual assault

If you're in danger right now, call the police on 999.

If you're calling using a mobile and it's not safe to speak, use the silent solution.

Southwark Domestic Abuse Service

We commission a support service to help people in Southwark who are experiencing gender-based violence.  It is called the Southwark Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) and is run by Refuge.

SDAS engage with people from all backgrounds, sexual identity and offer culturally sensitive support and advice, in person, through telephone calls and email communication.

SDAS helps by providing these services:

• SDAS engagement and support is carried out by people called IGVAs – Independent Gender Based (Domestic Abuse) Advocate
• The SDAS Sanctuary Scheme provides safety and security measures to help to keep you safe at home
• SDAS runs a survivor group work programme; a 12-week group that supports women in regaining ownership of their lives
• 16 weeks of 1-to-1 counselling for survivors of domestic or sexual abuse
• Children’s therapists providing 12-week 1-to-1 play and arts-based interventions

You can contact Refuge by:

• calling 0118 214 7150
• emailing sdas@refuge.org.uk

If you are a professional looking to refer a survivor to SDAS, use our SDAS referral form.

If you are a male survivor of sexual abuse, rape, or exploitation you can contact the Male Survivors Partnership for specialist support and advice.