Athena, Lewisham
The Athena service, run by Refuge provides confidential, non-judgmental support to those living in the London Borough of Lewisham who are experiencing gender-based violence. It opened its doors in April 2015 and provides outreach programmes, independent advocacy, group support, refuge accommodation and a specialist service for young women.
It provides the following services, all under one roof:
- One-to-one confidential, non-judgmental, independent support
- A specialist independent gender-based violence advocacy (IGVA) team to support clients at risk of serious harm
- A specialist service for 13-19 year-old girls
- Group support
- A peer support scheme to help break isolation; build social networks and provide support clients regain control of their lives
- Volunteering opportunities
- Women and girls aged over 13
- Men aged 16 or older
- Transgender and identifies as male, female, as another gender, or is questioning gender identity
Everyone’s needs are unique and we will work with you to create a support plan that helps keep you and your children safe. For example you may need to:
- Talk to someone who understands what you are going through
- Receive support with contacting the police
- Move away from the area
- Access a refuge
- Stay at home, but want to find out how you can keep safe
- Receive support if you are considering going to court
- Access legal advice
- Manage your financial situation
- Find out about support networks in your community
- Get specialist support for your children
Gender-based violence is violence that is directed against a person on the basis of gender. Gender-based violence is mostly inflicted by men on women and girls. Types of gender-based violence include:
- Domestic violence (physical, sexual, financial, emotional or psychological abuse)
- Rape and sexual assault
- Stalking
- Prostitution
- Sexual exploitation
- Human trafficking and modern slavery (for example, sexual exploitation; forced labour; domestic servitude)
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Forced marriage
- So-called ‘honour’-based violence
Visit this page for more information on the different forms of gender-based violence.
If you’re in Lewisham, call the Athena Service on 0800 112 4052 or email lewishamvawg@refuge.org.uk