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

home