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Violence against women and girls (VAWG)

Get support if you are experiencing gender-based violence or want to report it.
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Support for people experiencing gender-based violence (Athena service)

Do you feel threatened or at risk of violence? The Athena service, run by Refuge, provides confidential, non-judgmental support to those living in Lewisham who are experiencing gender-based violence.

Other forms of help and support

Contact details for organisations who may be able to help you if you are the victim of domestic violence.

Support for men and boys experiencing gender-based violence

Men and boys can also be affected by gender-based violence whether it be committed by another man or by a woman. 

What is VAWG?

Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) is both a form of discrimination and a violation of human rights.

Information for professionals working to end gender-based violence

​We coordinate a number of support networks for staff and professionals to understand the dynamics of gender-based violence and to improve the service they provide to victims. 

Our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy

We remain committed in Lewisham to ensuring that our Borough is a place where those who experience any crime under the Violence Against Women and Girls umbrella have their experiences validated, are empowered to recover, and are supported within our inclusive and diverse community.

Ways to report VAWG

Find out what to do if you suspect someone is a victim of or at risk of violence or abuse.

Domestic abuse and children

Domestic abuse can affect children in many ways. They may feel frightened, become withdrawn, aggressive or difficult, bedwet, run away, have problems at school, lack concentration and suffer emotional upset.

Working to end domestic violence

We take domestic violence extremely seriously, working together with a range of expert services.
Safe Space Online
Together we can end domestic abuse