Islington Womens Aid

Click here for main site

1

Help yourself stay safe

2

Information on Domestic Violence

3

Frequently Asked Questions

4

Women's Stories

5

Services

6

About Islington Womens Aid

7

Useful Contacts

8

Latin American Women's Aid

1

Help yourself stay safe

Crisis Planning

If you stay: If you are living in an abusive relationship and are not ready to leave, you must keep yourself and your children safe. Whatever your reasons for staying, you do not deserve to be abused. If you decide to stay with your partner and work things out, seek outside help. See a counsellor who does not blame you for the abuse and who puts your safety first.

Contact Women's Aid, to get recommendations for support.
020 8269 2121

Sometimes women have to leave in a hurry. This might be when, for them, the relationship is over. It might be to escape a particular assault, or to take a break for safety and the time and space to plan and think about things.

Making a crisis plan can help you feel more in control and give you more confidence. This is just a suggested plan of action, which you can add to, or change.

• Find somewhere you can quickly and easily use a phone.

• Carry with you a list of emergency numbers. Include friends, relatives, local police, Women's Aid, (even well known numbers can be forgotten in a panic).

• Try to save some money for bus, train, cab fares.

• Have an extra set of keys for house, flat, car.

• Keep the keys, money and a set of clothes for you and the children packed ready in a bag that you can get quickly.

If you have more time to plan leaving do as much as possible of the following:

• Leave when your abuser is not around

• Take all of your children with you.

• Take your legal and financial papers, i.e. marriage and birth certificates, court orders, national health cards, passports, driving licence, benefit books, address book, bank books, tenancy agreements, rent book etc.

• Take any of your personal possessions, which have sentimental value - photographs or jewellery for example.

• Take favourite toys for the children

• Take clothing for at least several days

• Take any medicine you or your children might need

If you do leave and later discover you have forgotten something, you can always arrange for the protection of a police escort to return home to collect it.

2

Information on Domestic Violence

return to menu

Are you being abused? Help, advice & Information to consider.

Domestic violence is the abuse of one person by another when they are or have been, in a close relationship. Crime statistics and research both show that domestic violence is gender specific, that is, usually the perpetrator of a pattern of repeated assaults is a man.

Domestic violence can and does take many forms, ranging from slaps, kicks and shaking to rape, wounding and murder. Two women a week are killed by a current or former partner (Source Harris J. (2001), Statistics on Women and the Criminal Justice System, Home office London).

Domestic Violence includes threats of violence, intimidating behaviour and emotional or mental abuse including constant criticism and humiliation, being kept a prisoner in your own home or being cut off from family and friends.

Financial abuse may happen if you are unable or are prevented from signing for your own money or handling your own financial affairs. One in 4 women experience domestic violence over their lifetime. (source; Council of Europe (2002) Strasbourg France)

For disabled women, abuse can include being spoken ‘down to’ withdrawing communication, leaving you in pain even when you have asked for help, making decisions for you such as the time for going to bed, refusing to assist with bathing, or any other action which uses your disability against you. If your abuser is your carer, they may be your key link to the outside world and may ensure that you cannot access other support services, such as dial-a-ride. The abuser may withdraw physical aids such as your wheelchair or walking stick to deliberately prevent independent mobility.

If you experience memory loss – keep a written record to aid your memory. If an action leads to you losing some or all of your independence, it is abusive. Anything, which takes away your power and control over your own life, is abuse.

The abuser may be your partner, husband, father, brother, son or carer. Almost all-domestic violence is directed by men against women. Violence can also occur in lesbian and gay relationships and, occasionally, by women against men. Although everyone experiencing domestic violence can use this information, it is aimed at women who are being abused by men.

Information to consider if you are being abused.

You are not the only one: Research shows that around one in four women experience domestic violence. It happens to women of all ages, classes, races, religions, sexualities, abilities, and levels of intelligence and to women with and without children.

You are not to blame: You are not responsible for the violence. Your abuser has choices about how to react such as walking away until he is calmer

You cannot change your abuser’s behaviour: You have probably noticed that it doesn’t make much difference what you do to pacify your abuser; they are violent anyway. The only way they can change is if they realise they have a problem and seek help.

Domestic violence is dangerous: It rarely happens only once. Usually the violence gets more serious the longer it goes on. Many abusers go to pieces after an assault or if their partners threaten to leave them. They can be very sorry and promise to stop the violence, give up drinking etc. Women sometimes feel sorry for them, believe them and agree to stay. Unfortunately, experience shows that changes rarely last. Sadly, for some women, what began as a slap ended in murder.

Break the silence – don’t remain isolated: You have nothing to be ashamed of. Don't keep the violence a secret. You need support and there are people who will help. However, there are still people who wrongly believe that it's OK for a man to hit his partner or that it is her fault if he does. Choose the people you talk with carefully. Don’t suffer alone.

There is life after domestic violence: Many women start new and rewarding lives and discover that they enjoy living without a partner. Some start new loving relationships, which they never believed were possible when they were with their violent partner. Women find out that the things their abusers told them (‘you’re stupid/ugly/useless/no-one else would have you/you’ll never make it on your own/etc’) were wrong.

“But my particular situation makes it harder”
For instance:

Disabled women experience discrimination and oppression. This may make you feel you should be ‘grateful’ if someone forms an intimate relationship with you,, particularly is they are able-bodied. You may fear that other people will not believe you or will tell you to be more ‘understanding’ of the pressures he is under. If your home is specially adapted you may want to stay, but will you be safe? If your abuser is your carer, how will you cope without him? Is institutionalisation the only option? How can you find a solicitor whose office is accessible? How can you leave without an income?

Black, minority ethnic, migrant and refugee women also face particular problems as do lesbians, older women and young women. Although you circumstances may mean that there are additional obstacles for you to face, it is still possible for you to take action. There are things you can do and people who can help. (list specialist support groups at the end).

Many women find that domestic violence seriously damages their confidence. You may feel that you are not worth the effort or that you must have done something bad to cause the abuse. Although it can be hard, remember you are strong (you've survived so far!) and you are a person of value.

3

Frequently Asked Questions

return to menu

What is Domestic Violence?

What is a Refuge and how can I get to one if I need to?

How do I get to a refuge?

What shall I take with me?

What about my children?

Will my children be taken away from me?

What will I do for money?

What if I don’t want to stay at a refuge?

What legal options do I have?

What is an injunction?

How do I apply for an injunction?

What to do in an emergency

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is physical, psychological, or sexual violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. Crime static’s and research both show that domestic violence is gender specific, that is usually the perpetrator of a pattern of repeated assaults is a man.

Women experience the most serious physical and repeated assaults.

Any woman can experience domestic violence regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, class, sexuality, disability or lifestyle.

Domestic Violence destroys both women’s and children’s lives.

What is a Refuge and how can I get to one if I need to?

A refuge is a safe house which offers temporary accommodation for women and their children. Refuge addresses and telephone numbers are secret, so that it is difficult for the abuser to find a woman who has left home. Refuges in provide a place of safety for any women who needs to escape domestic violence; that is, married women, single women, women with children, women without children, all are welcome. Some refuges are specifically for women from particular ethnic or cultural backgrounds for example Asian, black or Irish – many have disabled access and workers who can assist women and children who have special needs.

Women’s Aid refuges are managed and staffed by women. They do not have ‘live-in wardens” who are “in charge”. Women staying in the refuge can have a say in how the refuge is run. Many women come to refuges for a break from the violence. Refuges provide a breathing space where decisions can be made free from pressure and fear. Women can stay for as long as they want, this can be anything from a few days to several months. You can be as self contained or as sociable as you like.

In most refuges you will usually share a kitchen, living room and bathroom with other women, have your own bedroom which you will share with your children, there are however, some refuges that have self-contained family units.

The refuge staff will help you if you need to find a more permanent place to stay.

How do I get to a refuge?

FAQ menu

By contacting one of the help lines who will take some basic information from you and make a referral to a refuge.
Help line numbers are:

FREEPHONE 24 HOUR NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE
0808 2000 247

Islington Women’s Aid outreach help line 020 8269 2121:
Contact our outreach services help line Monday to Friday 10.00-1.00 / 2.00 – 4.00 for confidential help and support.

Please note: Your name and telephone number are not kept on file at the Help line. You cannot be contacted at the refuge via the Help line.

What shall I take with me?

FAQ menu

- Identification
- Birth certificate for you and your children
- School and medical records
- Money, bankbooks, cheque book and credit cards
- Keys, house, car office
- Family photographs, your diary, jewellery.
- Your children’s favourite items of clothing and small toys
- Toiletries and clothes for you and your children
This list is a general guide only, not all women will need all of these items

see also Crisis Plan

What about my children?

FAQ menu

Many children will have experienced abuse themselves or may have witnessed the abuse of their mother or siblings, and whether their experience of the abuse is direct or indirect it will leave them feeling scared and confused. It is now widely recognised that even if children don’t experience the violence directly - they will be affected by it. Children respond to their experiences in many different ways. Many children do not show any obvious signs in their behaviour, but it is unrealistic to think they have not been affected at all. Children may arrive at the refuge therefore, feeling scared and confused, and it can be a difficult time with lots of change, having left behind friends, family, their favourite toys and pets etc. However it is also important to recognise that leaving is also important in helping children overcome the effects of the violence. It is important that they are given the chance to talk about their experiences and come to terms with what has happened in order to enable them to move forward in their lives and learn to build positive relationships. Most refuges have specialized children’s workers who will offer support and advice relating to you and your children.

Will my children be taken away from me?

FAQ menu

You will not have your children taken away from you because you are going to a refuge. If you are leaving your home try and take your children with you. If you are unable to take your children with you, contact the police or social service immediately

What will I do for money?

FAQ menu

Once you’ve left your home you are a single person and can claim social security benefits for yourself and any children you have with you. This is your right. Refuge workers can assist you with this. For further information on your particular circumstances and information on benefits entitlement, you can contact:

ISLINGTON PEOPLE’S RIGHTS 0207 3592010
Log onto www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk and www.dwp.gov.uk

There is a benefit enquiry line for people with disabilities, their representatives and their carers. Contact via free phone 0800 882 200. You can call this number Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

If in doubt, and in fear of suffering from “information overload” contact Islington Women’s Aid outreach Services help line 020 8269 2121.

What if I don’t want to stay at a refuge?

FAQ menu

Temporary Accommodation.
You may not wish to or feel ready to go to a refuge. You can still get information; advice and support from Islington women’s Aid through contacting our outreach services help line.Also look at a crisis plan.

However should you need to leave your home, remember that you have a right to do this, and the right to temporary accommodation from the local authority If you are fleeing domestic violence. In other words, the Local Authority/The Council has a legal duty to provide you with temporary accommodation because you are homeless due to domestic violence.
Islington Council’s Housing Aid centre is located close to the Angle Tube station,
1 Garnault Place, ECR1 1US
Phone: 020 7527 6363 normal office hours apply.
Outside office hours, contact the out of hours duty team on:
020 7226 0992.

Please note, there are a number of local authorities/council’s that may try to persuade you to return home or go and stay with a friend. However, remember that you should never be told that you are not entitled to help on the grounds that you left home of your own choice.

In an emergency you can contact the police who will be able to help you find a safe place to stay

What legal options do I have?

You have a right to protection under law. An assault by someone you know is just as much a crime under criminal law as is an assault from a stranger. There are a number of legal options available to you for example:
You can apply for a court order to tell your abuser to stop harassing or hunting you, or to keep him out of, or away from you and your home.
This court order is called “an injunction”.

What is an injunction?

- An injunction is a court order that orders someone to do or not to do something. There are two main types of injunction
– A non-molestation order; this is, a court order to prevent your partner from using or threatening to use violence against you or your child(ren), or intimidating, harassing or pestering you. It can also have very specific instructions, for example an instruction stopping your partner from telephoning you.
– An occupation order: this is an order, which regulates who can live in the family home. You may want to apply for an occupation order if you do not feel safe to continue living with your partner, or have left home because of violence but wish to return and exclude your partner from the family home.

If you are too frightened to stay at home you can get help with emergency or temporary accommodation. You have a right to leave your home and the right to temporary accommodation from the local authority if you are fleeing domestic violence. The local authority has a legal duty to provide you with temporary accommodation because you’re homeless due to domestic violence.

How do I apply for an injunction?

It is always best to talk through the details of your options under law with a solicitor who deals with family law. If you are on income support, or have a low income, you can usually get help from legal aid to pay for a solicitor’s advice and legal proceedings. We have included a list of Islington based Solicitors under the Useful Contacts section.

What to do in an emergency

Call the Police on 999. If someone is hurting your or threatening to hurt you or your children. The police have a duty to help you and to investigate your complaint. Always call 999 in an emergency. There are several laws under which the police can take action. Your abuser can be held pending investigation by the police for up to 24 hours (36 hours at week end) before he has to be taken before a court, or he can be released on police bail.

4

Women's Stories

return to menu

Indira

Ainne

Jill

Mary

Indira

Indira had never lived away from home before. She said that she had always lived under the rules of her father and had suffered at his hands. At first she would come to the office to ask if she could go to the shop and what time she had to be back. Slowly her confidence grew. She started work and began planning for a new life. Indira now lives in a flat on her own. She is attending college and is very happy with the direction her life is taking.

Ainne

womens stories

Ainne had lived in a violent relationship for twenty years. She watched her children grow up before she felt able to leave. Ainne says that she has always been responsible for taking care of others. Since arriving at the Refuge she has begun a to take care of herself. She has also started going to college. She worried about what her children would think of her leaving their father. She was anxious the first time they came to London to see her. She was surprised when her children asked her why she had not left years ago.ago.

Jill

womens stories

Jill arrived at the Refuge with her young child. She was heavily pregnant with her second child. She had lived with domestic violence for a long time. She believed that the problem was hers, that she was to blame for her partner's behaviour. With the support of her key worker and access to a counselling service she now recognises that she is not responsible for her ex-partners actions. Shortly after arriving at the refuge she gave birth to her second child. Jill is taking pleasure in watching her child grow.

Mary

womens stories

A more charming man you couldn't wish to meet, I fell for his charms hook, line and sinker. The year of '96 went as a blur because I had met, moved in with and was pregnant by this man all in eleven months. He always was a heavy drinker, but I thought after our son was born he would slow down and become a 'family man'. The bubble first burst in April '97 when the physical abuse first happened. He begged my forgiveness and made all sorts of excuses. I listened to him and forgave his actions. The physical and mental abuse was to continue for the next six years emerging at different periods of time. After every episode, I forgave, more out of fear than love. I did manage to leave him for four and a half months once, but again I caved in and returned. The physical abuse hurt but the mental abuse cut deep, making me lose all my confidence and self esteem. I turned from an outgoing happy woman to a shell that obeyed every command. Early in 2002 we moved to a new area away from family and other influences and I thought that a new beginning would help him change...No such luck! In the summer of this year after three days of abuse following a drinking spree, I had a revelation and an inner voice told me enough. I called the police and he was arrested and on my statement was charged. I arrived at the refuge a day later feeling exhausted, but the moment the staff started to talk to me, I felt they were on my side and didn't judge my actions. The feeling of relief was so immense that the tears just flowed. Everyone in the house has given me so much emotional and practical support since I have been here that I am finding the courage and determination to change the pattern of my life. Words cannot express how grateful I am to all of them and long may they continue.

5

Services

return to menu

Community Based Services

Supported Housing Service (Refuge)

Children's Project

Resettlement Service

Training

Our services include community based outreach services, supported refuge housing service, the children’s service, resettlement services, floating support services, and specialized training services for statutory and voluntary services providers.

Community Based Services

Islington Women’s Aid Outreach Centre opened in November 2003. We provide advice, advocacy, support and crisis intervention to women and children affected by domestic violence.

The outreach service enables women to access support and advice on a range of issues including the law, welfare benefit entitlements, counselling, housing, children’s issues, and training/employment.

Essentially, the outreach project offers women who are not accessing refuge services specialist support and advice. Women can drop into the office on Monday and Friday mornings between 10am and 1pm or they can call our advice line on 020 8269 2121, Mondays to Fridays between 10am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm.

South London African Women’s Organisation
Islington Women’s Aid is working in partnership with the South London African Women’s Organisation. A specialist worker employed by SLAWO is based at the outreach office; she works with African women affected by domestic violence offering support, advocacy and advice as appropriate.

The Floating Support Service works with women and their children affected by domestic violence with either Local Authority or Housing Association tenancies in Islington. The Floating Support Worker is able to offer this service to women in their own homes when it is safe to do so e.g. the woman is not living with the perpetrator.

Our Floating Support Service aims to enable women to maintain independence in their own accommodation. The service is provided to clients affected by domestic violence who choose to remain in their own homes for whatever reason. The Floating Support Worker acts as a ‘broker’ by ensuring that the user is linked in to other locally available support services as needed. Women are able to access advice, information, support and advocacy on a range of issues such as welfare benefit entitlements, housing options, children’s issues, counselling, legal issues, training and employment. The support offered is temporary (for approximately 3 months) ending when it is no longer needed by the service user.

Supported Housing Service (Refuge)

Islington Women’s Aid has a number of refuges providing a safe space to live for women and children fleeing domestic violence. When designing and building our refuges, we have used a simple standard, that is, all our refuges have got to be bright, welcoming, clean, well equipped and comfortable. The address of our refuges is confidential to ensure the safety and well being of the women and children living there.
At the refuge you will have your own room to share with your children. The living room, kitchen, bathroom and garden - will be shared with other women staying at the refuge. You will be expected to cook for yourself and your children. You can be as self-contained or as sociable as you want to be. You will be given your own front door key and there are no time restrictions, thus you can freely come and go as you like. You will have a “key worker” at the refuge, she will work with you and offer you the necessary support so that you can make decisions about your future. She will also give you advice and support regarding issues relating to legal matters, housing, children, welfare entitlements, counselling, training and further education. In short, the refuge will provide you with the safe space, practical and emotional support that will help you make informed choices about your future.

Children's Project

IWA's Community Based Service is providing a new Children's Project. This project offers support, advice and information to children and young people under the age of sixteen affected by domestic violence.

Our aim is to work closely with children, young people and their mothers/female carers. We offer a safe space where children and young people can take part in group activities and individual sessions.

Sessions take place on a:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Morning 10.30am - 12.30pm and also on Tuesday afternoon 2.00pm - 4.00pm. (A maximum of 4 children at any one time)

A drop in session for mothers/females carers takes place on a Friday morning from 10.00am onwards, offering support, advice and information on any child related issues.

This is a free service funded by BBC Children In Need, we work in partnership with Social Services, local schools, various voluntary organisations & Sure Start Programmes

For more information contact: 020 7281 9287

12 week Group Programme for children aged 5-16 years & their mothers or female carers in partnership with CEA@Islington

The course provides:

Support to understand the abuse of power and control they have experienced and in finding a way to recover from it.

Positive conflict resolution through play, art or drama is explored so children learn new ways to solve problems and be heard.

A safe predictable environment is created through the negotiation of ground rules, promoting honest discussion as well as monitoring issues of child protection.

The aim is to help children identify and express emotions related to the violence including: Loss, shame, guilt, anger, blame.

Safety planning helps empower children and keeps them safer in the event of further violence. It is also hoped they will also make more informed choices around personal relationships.

Self-esteem is enhanced through encouragement & attendance.

• The groups meets 1½ hrs weekly after school hours.
• Each group is age specific and gender balanced and has approx 4-6 participants
• Two experienced group workers facilitate each session

Mother’s / female carers must also attend adult meetings and commit to working with their child regularly on ‘home-play’ assignments, which will help further the healing.It is important that both the carer & child actively & willingly participate. Referrals must be made in full consultation with them. When a referral is made an initial assessment will take place to see if the child / young person is suitable for group work.
We endeavour to fit participants into a compatible group; if this is not possible we can usually provide some one to one support.

Unfortunately there are some exemptions from this programme

• The child / young person must be able to acknowledge that domestic violence has taken place, and not present as severely depressed / traumatised.
• Although we recognise that there is a need, we cannot work with perpetrators of violence.
• A child/young person who is still living in a domestic violence situation cannot take part in this programme as participation could make them more unsafe in the home environment, but we can offer individual support.
• To be able to participate successfully in the group, the child / young person must have a good understanding of English, there is an interpreting service for their mother / female carer.

For more information on the group work service contact Deborah on: 020 7281 9287
or email dfoley@iwauk.org

Resettlement Service

We offer practical and emotional support, from the short to medium term, for women moving-on from the refuge into permanent accommodation and/or non refuge temporary accommodation. Services are provided through our Resettlement and Floating support service. The aim of this service is to bridge the gap between supported housing (refuge) accommodation, and managing a new tenancy. We facilitate residents in securing permanent accommodation by providing specialist advice information and support to women making housing applications to local authorities and Registered Social Landlords. We assist with grant application, assist with loans for furniture , and source information about the local amenities and community services in the area that is being moved into.

Training

Our training programme aims to provide the statutory and voluntary sector service providers with the necessary information and skills which will enable them to ensure their services prioritise women & children’s safety, ensures that their services can be accessed by women experiencing violence, equips front line staff to deal effectively with women and children fleeing domestic violence, and enables the service providers to develop practical and proactive responses to domestic violence.

For further information on our training programmes;
contact via email mail@iwauk.org

6

About Islington Women's Aid

return to menu

Mission

Our Work

Our Approach

Campaigns and Policy

Supporters

Islington women’s aid is a charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. We believe that domestic violence is a violation of women and children’s human rights, that it is a result of an abuse of power and control, and that it is rooted in the historical status of women in the family and in society. We believe that women and children have a right to live their lives free from all forms of violence and abuse, and that society has a duty to recognise and defend this right.

Mission

Our mission is to protect women and children, prevent domestic violence and to provide the best possible services by working to:

• Offer support and a place of safety to abused women and children by providing refuges and community based outreach services

• Empower women affected by domestic violence to determine their own lives

• Recognize and meet the needs of children affected by domestic violence

• Promote policies and practices to prevent domestic violence

• Raise awareness of the extend and impact of domestic violence in society

Islington Women’s Aid is part of the Women’s Aid Federation of England which co-ordinates and supports an England wide network of over 250 local projects; providing over 400 refuges help lines, outreach services and advice centres.

Our Work

About IWA menu

Working in the borough of Islington for over 25 years, Islington Women’s Aid was set up and is run by women, we exist to

• Provide refuge, help, advice and support services to women and their children

• Work at a strategic level to promote policies and practices to prevent domestic violence by representing our service users needs to policy and decision makers

• Inform and train statutory and voluntary agency service providers to ensure they are able to respond to and develop their services to meet the needs of abused women and children

Our services include community based outreach advice, information and support services, supported housing refuge services; the children’s project, resettlement and floating support services and specialized training services.

• Our community based Outreach Services provide advice, information and support services for women who choose not to use or cannot use refuge services.

• Our refuges provide safe, secure temporary accommodation with practical and emotional support for the women and children living there.

• We provide specialized training in policy and practice to the voluntary and statutory sector i.e. the Police, NHS, Social Housing Providers, Local Authority & Social Services.

Our Approach

About IWA menu

We have 25 years experience of working with survivors of domestic violence, which has served amongst other things to inform our approach to working with women which is:

• To believe women and children and to make their safety a priority

• To support and empower women to take control of their own lives

• To recognize and cater for the needs of children affected by violence

• To challenge the disadvantage and social exclusion which results from domestic violence

• To support and reflect diversity and promote equality of opportunity.

Campaigns and Policy

Supporters

Thanks and acknowledgements

The work we do would not be possible without the continued support of our statutory and charitable funders; grateful thanks therefore to:

London Borough of Islington
Association of London Government
Family Housing Association
Community Housing Association
New Islington and Hackney Housing Association
Richard Cloudesley
BBC Children in Need
Capital Radio
Albert Hunt Trust
NYK Millennium fund
Comic Relief
Help a London Child
Local Network Fund for Children and Young People
Sure Start Highview and Copenhagen
Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest/Cripplegate

We would like to particularly thank the following individuals and groups:

Latin American Women’s Aid
LBI Supporting People Team
LBI SSD Contracts Team
Karen Lucas LBI Housing Aid
Spare Tyre Theatre Company
The Maya Centre
The Woman’s Therapy Centre
King’s Cross Furniture Project
Nigel Rickard @ Rickard Eastman Partnership
Sue Lukes
Marion Gow
Hopkin, Murray, Beskin Solicitors
Adrian Hull @ Lewis Jordon (Auditors)
Marcia Williams (Health Visitor)
Katie Medland, (Health Visitor)
Bowlers Nursery.

Every year, thousands of women and children experience domestic violence. We need your support to maintain and develop our services.

Through making a donation, you can make a real difference to women’s and children’s lives. Whether you donate as an individual, through a company or through a grant making body, your support is essential to our work.

Contact us now on: 020 8269 2121 or email us on: mail@iwauk.org

7

Useful Contacts

return to menu

Resources

Legal and Welfare Rights

Local Contacts

Resources

In an emergency call the police 999

FREEPHONE 24 HOUR NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE
0808 2000 247

Women's Aid
PO Box 391, Bristol, BS99 7WS
Tel: 0117 944 4411
Fax: 0117 924 1703
E-mail: info@womensaid.org.uk
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk

Regional help: www.womensaid.org.uk/network/regional_map.htm

Housing out of Hours:
You can call L.B Islington emergency duty team out of hours on
020 7226 0992
If you have nowhere to stay, and are homeless because you are fleeing domestic violence, the Local Authority has a duty to provide you with temporary accommodation see under Temporary accommodation

Shelter line 0808 800 4444
For help with emergency housing and access to refuge services.

Refuge Crisis Line 0870 599 5443
24 hour London Wide service for women experiencing domestic violence.

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0800 800 500
Helpline for anyone concerned about a child at risk - offers information, support and counselling.

Childline
Freepost 1111
London N1 OBR
Phone: 0800 1111
Free confidential help line for children, operates 24 hours a day.
“The line” for children in care
Mon-Fri 3:30 -9:30pm & Sat –Sun 2-8pm: 0800 884444 or 0800 400 222

The Samaritans 0345 90 90 90
24 hour emotional support for anyone in crisis.

Immigration Advisory Service 020 7 378 9191
24 hour helpline for advice about immigration, asylum rules and law.

Specialist Help lines

Jewish Women’s Aid 0800 591203
Women with learning difficulties 0208 522 0675
There are also specialist refuge and/or advice services in some parts of the country for:
African and African Caribbean women
Asian women
Black women
Chinese women
Irish women
Muslim women
To contact any of these, phone the National or Regional helplines above for their numbers.

Freecall message home - 0500 700740
This is a confidential, non-traceable service for those who have left home but want to pass on a message to family and friends without communicating directly. Women escaping domestic violence can use this service without having to give details of where they are. This is a free service.

Careline - 020 8514 1177
A national, confidential counselling line for children, young people and adults on any issue including family, marital & relationship problems, child abuse, rape & sexual assault, depression and anxiety.

The Refugee Council
One Stop Service
240-250 Ferndale Road
SW9 8BB
Phone: 020 7346 6700
Fax: 020 7346 6778

Alone in London
188 Kings Cross Road WC1 9DE
Phone: 020 7713 6546

Legal and Welfare Rights

Contacts menu

The following list are for guidance only and should not been seen as IWA endorsing/promoting etc these Family Law firms. These firms are based in and around Islington, and they can offer help to you. Remember if you are on income support, or have a low income, you can usually get help from legal aid to pay for a solicitor’s advice and legal proceedings.

Hopkin Murray Beskin: 020 7272 4050

Deighton Guedalla: 020 7359 9909

GH Gelberg and Company: 020 7288 1066

Harter and Loveless: 020 7607 5768

Tyrer Roxburgh & Co: 020 8889 3319

Children’s Legal Centre
Advice line: 01206 873 820
www.childrenlegalcentre.com
Free advice in all aspects of the law relating to children and young people.

LB Islington Social Services - Children and Families Team
292 Essex Rd, N1 3AZ
Phone : 020 7527 1742
Phone : 020 7527 1597
(direct line for referrals)
Fax 020 7527 1601
Minicom 020 7527 1670
www.acf.dhhs.gov

Islington People’s Rights
2 St Paul’s Road, N1 2QN
Phone: 0207 359 2010
Fax: 0207 354 3803

Islington Law Centre
161 Hornsey Road, N7 6DU
Phone: 0207 607 2461
Fax: 0207 700 0072
Legal Advice

Islington Housing Aid Centre
1Garnault Place, ECR1 1US
Phone: 020 7527 6363

Rights of Women
52-54 Featherstone Street
London EC1Y 8RT
Phone: 020 7251 6577
Provides free legal advice by telephone for women

Useful local numbers

Islington Police Station
2 Tolpuddle Street, N1 OYY
Phone: 020 7704 1212

Holloway Police Station
284 Hornsey Road, N7 7QY
Phone: 020 7263 9090

Hospitals
Whittington Hospital
Highgate Hill N19
A+E 020 7288 3111

North Middlesex Hospital
Sterling Way N18 0208 887 2000
Royal Free Hospital,
Pond Street, NW3
020 7794 0500

University College Hospital
Gower St WC1
020 7387 9300

St.Thomas Hospital
Lambeth Palace Rd SE1
020 7928 9292

Guy’s Hospital
St Thomas Street, SE1
020 7737 4000

Homerton Hospital
Homerton Row, E19
020 8510 5555

LB Islington Social Services - Children and Families Team
292 Essex Rd, N1 3AZ
Phone : 020 7527 1742
Phone : 020 7527 1597
(direct line for referrals)
Fax 020 7527 1601
Minicom 020 7527 1670
www.acf.dhhs.gov

Islington Borough Police Child Protection Team
Phone: 020 7421 0307

The Maya Centre
020 7281 2673
Free counselling for women over 17 with low income and no benefit.

Women’s Therapy Centre
10 Manor Garden N76LA
020 7263 7860

Islington People’s Rights
2 St Paul’s Road, N1 2QN
Phone: 020 7359 2010
Fax: 020 7354 3803

Islington Mind Crisis Line
Phone: 020 7272 7722
5-10pm Monday-Saturday.

Islington Law Centre
161 Hornsey Road, N7 6DU
Phone: 0207 607 2461
Fax: 020 7700 0072
Legal Advice

Area Housing Offices
If you are a council tenant and need to speak to your housing officer, please contact your area housing office. If you are not sure where your housing office is, please call:
020 7527 2000 for advice.

Islington Housing Aid Centre
1Garnault Place, ECR1 1US
Phone: 020 7527 6363

9

Latin American Women's Aid

return to menu

English

Español

English

LAWA (Latin American Women’s Aid) is a small registered charity N0 299975 and Company Limited by Guarantee N0 2261724 in operation since 1988. It provides temporary accommodation, emotional and practical support to women and children from Latin America & and the Spanish speaking Caribbean who are escaping from domestic violence.

We believe in and promote women’s independence and autonomy, as well as providing a non-violent environment for women and their children.

We run a six-bedroom refuge in North London and an outreach service. The refuge provides safe temporary accommodation at a confidential address. Throughout their stay women get a broad range of services including emotional support, assistance finding solicitors, applying for social security benefits & permanent accommodation (depending on immigration status), specialised help with the children and more. We can offer some advice on housing, benefits, health, immigration and education matters. We can also help women accessing other services such as counselling, therapy, courses or other community groups that may be able to help.

We take referrals for any available vacancies from agencies and women themselves. The criteria are as follows:

• We accept women and children that are fleeing from violence and abuse against themselves and/or their children.

• We accept Latin American women as a priority. However, if we have a vacancy and are asked to take a Spanish woman who is not Latin American or Portuguese speaking we will do so.

• We cannot accept women with drink or substance abuse problems. Nor women with mental problems so severe that they cannot share accommodation with others.

• We will need to have some direct contact with the woman before we can offer a place in the refuge. This is to confirm information and obtain other necessary details.

If you would like us to explain in a bit more detail our work, train your staff, contribute to a better understanding of domestic violence or make a referral please, contact us on:

LAWA 020 7275 0321 or 07958 536 242

Español

LAWA menu

Women’s Aid National Domestic Violence Helpline (Línea Nacional de Violencia Doméstica para la Mujer) le proporcionará apoyo, información, una voz amiga y le ayudará a encontrar un alojamiento seguro donde estar temporalmente. Llame al 08457 023 468. El servicio (hablan en inglés) también le puede poner en contacto con el refugio más cercano del Women’s Aid con un centro de información. También pueden llamar a Freephone 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247( información sobre refugios en Londres).

Los refugios de Women’s Aid y servicios de apoyo pueden ofrecerle un alojamiento seguro temporal, apoyo a mujeres y a sus hijos / as y un lugar tranquilo donde tomar una decisión fuera de presiones o temor. Puede quedarse en un refugio tenga o no tenga hijos.

Las direcciones de los refugios son confidenciales y hay unos 300 en el Reino Unido. Puede elegir uno lejos o cerca de donde vive normalmente y quedarse el tiempo que precise.

Hay refugios específicos para mujeres y niños / as de distintas culturas y grupos étnicos como por ejemplo para mujeres de origen asiático, latinoamericanas, judías etc... Muchos refugios tienen acceso para personas con discapacidades y cuentan con personal especializado para personas con necesidades especiales.

Muchos de los grupos de Women’s Aid tienen centros de información, centros a los que se pueden acercar sin cita previa e información por teléfono. También puede contactarnos para hablar con alguien, o ver a alguien sin necesidad de estar en uno de los refugios.

SERVICIOS DE LAWA (LATIN AMERICAN WOMEN’S AID – REFUGIO LATINOAMERICANO)

• Alojamiento temporal

• Asesoría con trámites de vivienda / subsidios / salud / educación

• Apoyo emocional

• Servicio especializado para niños / as

• Hablamos español y entendemos portugués

• Centro de información

• Se puede derivar a abogados especialistas en familia / inmigración...

• Derivación a terapia

Refugio latinoamericano
07958 536 242 or 020 7275 0321 (en Londres)

Póngase en contacto con el Women’s Aid de su zona, encontrará el teléfono en la guía. En caso de emergencia, llame a la policía y le derivarán a un refugio de la zona.

Otros servicios:

LAWRS (Servicio para los Derechos de la Mujer Latinoamericana)
Tindlemanor,
52 - 54 Featherstone Street.
London EC1Y 8RT
Old Street 020 7336 0888