Violence against women and girls

We define violence against women and girls as any act that subjects or places someone in fear of violence- any act of violence, aggression and/or control that seeks to take away the autonomy of another.  

Though we recognise that people of other genders can and do experience crime, we use the term violence against women and girls, in recognition of these being gendered crimes.

Why we use the term violence against women and girls

We recognise that people of other genders experience crime. We use the term ‘violence against women and girls’ in recognition of these being gendered crimes.

Who commits VAWG?

The majority of gender-based violence is carried out by men against women and girls. Men, boys and people who are other genders can also be victims of gender-based violence.

The different types of violence against women and girls 

• domestic abuse
• sexual violence
• harmful cultural practices, including female genital mutilation, honour-based violence, and forced marriage, however it can take many other forms 
• sexual harassment
• stalking
• trafficking

Read our Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-2026.

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Are you or someone you know at risk of domestic abuse or other forms of gender-based violence?

Athena

If you're experiencing gender-based violence and live in Lewisham, contact Refuge's Athena service for non-judgmental support. You can get advice on the support available and steps you can take to keep safe by contacting the Athena service by phone on 0800 112 4052 or by email, lewishamvawg@refuge.org.uk.

Athena supports:

• women and girls aged 13 and over and men ages 16 and over, including lesbian, gay, bisexual people and people who are unsure of their sexuality
• people who identify as male, female, another gender or are questioning their gender

You can also contact the free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline online or by telephone on 0808 2000 247.

We've put together contact details for organisations who may be able to help you if you are the victim of domestic violence.

Help from the police

The police have a specialist unit for domestic violence, race hate and homophobic crime.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, always call the police on 999. For non-emergency police enquiries call 101.

Lewisham Police Station
43 Lewisham High Street
SE13 5JZ
Telephone: 0300 123 1212

Council residents and other housing associations

If you're a Lewisham Council resident, you can talk to your housing officer or speak to the antisocial behaviour team for housing advice and support on 0800 028 2028 - use option 5 for housing management and then option 4 for antisocial behaviour. Outside of working hours we deal with emergencies and can be contacted on 020 8788 0877.

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Are you concerned about the safety or welfare of a child? The Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) provides access to services that can help to keep children protected and safe as needed.

These services are supported by representatives from a number of services that provide access to:

• children’s social care
• Lewisham police
• health services
• child and adolescent mental health services
• early help
• housing
• victim support and more

• if you think a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999
• for non-emergency enquiries contact the Lewisham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 020 8314 6660, 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday
• you can also contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk

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Like women, men can experience domestic violence and abuse. We are committed to addressing all forms of violence and abuse across the borough. Regardless of the gender of the individual who is experiencing the violence, we view all forms of violence and abuse as unacceptable.

Get help and support

If you are a man 16+ and have or are experiencing gender-based violence and need help and support, contact the free, confidential Athena service on 0800 112 4052 or email lewishamvawg@refuge.org.uk.  

National support agencies who also support men are also available, including Mankind and Respect. 

There are contact details of other organisations that may be able to help you on our help and support page.

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We are committed to ensuring that Lewisham is a place where the voices of victims of violence against women and girls are heard. We want people in Lewisham to feel empowered, safe and to be able to get the support they need.

Tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls needs a dual approach. We strive to create a space where perpetrators are held accountable, a space where they are encouraged to recognise their abusive behaviour(s) and are provided with opportunities to seek lasting change.

Five year plan

Our five-year plan sets out our approach to eradicating abuse within our communities. The strategy shaped through interviews, workshops and consultations with domestic abuse survivors living in Lewisham, local professionals and residents has led us to create five key priorities to combat violence against women and girls: 

• prevent: preventing violence and abuse through early intervention and education
• protect: providing support that keeps individuals and their families safe
• recover: providing longer-term support to enable recovery following abuse
• pursue: holding perpetrators to account whilst providing opportunity for change and support
• partnership: working in partnership across agencies and with the community, to ensure our response to abuse is integrated, innovative and inclusive

We recognise the impact of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls upon people's and children's lives. 

Read the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-2026.

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Join us in observing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (White Ribbon Day), to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

• See our timetable of events taking place across Lewisham, to help raise awareness around violence against women and girls.