What is domestic abuse and how to get support in Greenwich
If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse there are services in Greenwich that can provide confidential support and a safe place.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. Seeking support if you are being abused can be hard, and you may feel like there is nowhere to turn.
However, free and confidential help and support is available and you will be taken seriously.
Domestic abuse support services in Greenwich
If the abuse is happening now and you think you're at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service 18000.
If the abuse has already happened and you want to report it to the police, call 101 or visit the Metropolitan Police website.
Greenwich Domestic Violence and Abuse Services (GDVA)
GDVA is the main source of free help and information for people who live in Greenwich and are experiencing domestic abuse. It is funded by the Council and can provide you with services including:
- advice and support
- refuge for women and children
- outreach support in your own home
- installing additional security to help you remain safe at home
- child support
Call 020 8317 8273 (Monday to Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm).
Email referrals_gdva@h4w.co.uk
Her Centre
The Her Centre provides free and confidential advice for women in areas such as health, legal advice, immigration or emergency housing. The centre offers weekly support and advice sessions across three different locations in Greenwich.
- Every Wednesday from 10 AM to 12 noon at Eltham Community Centre
- Every Wednesday from 10 AM to 12 noon at Thamesmead Moorings Sociable Club
- Every Friday from 10 AM to 12 noon at Clockhouse Community Centre
Her Centre contact details
Call 020 3260 7772
Email: info@hercentre.org
Support for male victims of domestic abuse
As well as getting support from the GDVA, male victims can also contact Respect's confidential Men's Advice Line.
Call 0808 8010327, Mon–Fri 10am-5pm. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK. Your call will not appear on itemised bills. You can also call free from BT pay phones.
Email info@mensadviceline.org.uk.
24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline
You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline to access support over the phone 24-hours a day, for free and in confidence.
Call 0808 2000 247
Safeguarding children and young people
If a child is in immediate danger, you should always call the police on 999.
If you are concerned about a child or young person's safety or wellbeing, contact Children's Services:
Call 020 8921 3172 (out-of-office hours number: 020 8854 8888)
mash-referrals@royalgreenwich.gov.uk. To raise your concerns, you can also email GDVA at referrals_gdva@h4w.co.uk or call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
Support for migrants, asylum seekers or refugees
If you are a migrant, asylum seeker or refugee experiencing domestic abuse you can contact Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN) for free advice and practical support:
Call 020 8694 0323
Email info@lrmn.org.uk.
Submit a form on the website: Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN) Referral Form
Support for LGBTQ+
If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Galop operate a confidential national helpline.
call 0800 999 5428. Mon-Tues 9:15 AM to 8 PM. Wed-Fri 9:15 AM to 4:30 PM.
Information about domestic abuse in Greenwich from the Greenwich Safeguarding Adults Board.
Domestic abuse
In England and Wales, one in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse in their life time. Two women are killed by their partner/ex-partner every week (almost exclusively by men). Around thirty men are killed by both women and other men every year. The Police receive 100 calls relating to domestic abuse every hour.
In the Royal Borough of Greenwich, over 23,000 women have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16.
Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or sexuality. The most common type of domestic abuse occurs in relationships, although it also can happen between family members. There are different kinds of abuse but it’s always about one person having power and control over another person.
