Home | Need help using this site? | Want to report abuse? | Safe surfing | Email us
WSCB, 3rd Floor, Welbeck House, 43-51 Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PU
   
On this page: Where can I get help? | Local services | Emergency and out of hours services | Domestic Violence Directory of Services

Domestic violence

Sometimes, in some families and relationships, there are arguments between the adults that can involve hitting, slapping or other types of physical harm. This is one form of Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence may also be a parent stopping their partner from seeing her/his friends or family or stopping them going out with no real reason to do so. They may insult them in front of other people, withhold their money, or perhaps do things to scare them like threaten them. Perhaps they might force their partner into doing something they don't want to do. They might also do this to their children or another family member or partner.

What are the effects of domestic violence on young people?

Many children and young people may witness violence that is taking place at home, or be aware that it is happening, and sometimes they will be hurt themselves. The impact of witnessing or knowing that domestic violence is taking place is called 'emotional abuse' (see the 'What is abuse?' section for more information).

Children feel and react differently to domestic violence. They might feel angry or confused. They might take the anger out on others or even themselves. It may be they keep their feelings to themselves and avoid other children and find excuses not to go to school. For some the impact will only last for a while, for others it may affect them for the rest of their lives.

There are people who can help and be trusted.

Top of page

Who can I call and where can I get help?

If you think your parents, carers or you are in an abusive relationship and you want to stop the violence or leave, there are a number of agencies that can help. You are not alone and do not have to suffer in silence. Below is listed some of the agencies in the Wandsworth Borough that can offer your parent or you advice and support around domestic violence. For a more detailed list, see Domestic Violence Directory of Services.

In an emergency please call 999.

Top of page

Local Services

Greater London Domestic Violence project advice leaflet

Wandsworth Safety Net - Offers ongoing support and information to anyone who has, or is currently, experiencing domestic violence.
Bedford House, 215 Balham High Road, SW17 7BQ
Tel. (020) 8767 1641 Fax (020) 8247 5409 Mon to Fri 9.00am-5.00pm 
Email: vs.wandsworth@vslondon.org

Victim Support Wandsworth - Offers ongoing support and information to anyone who has, or is currently, experiencing domestic violence. Victim support also provides a young Person's Service to 10-16 year old who has been affected by crime and/or domestic violence, etc.
231a Lavender Hill, Battersea, SW11 1JR
Tel. (020) 7223 1234 Fax (020) 7223 0444  Mon to Fri 9.00am-5.00pm

Wandsworth Women's Aid - Provides a service to women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Tel. (020) 8871 2664 Mon to Fri 9.00am-5.00pm 
Email: support@wandsworthwa.org.uk

The Hide Out - Women's Aid have created this space to help children and young people understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it's happening to you.

For more information go to The Hide Out.

Top of page

Imani family support project - Parenting support to women and their children who have left or are living in abusive relationships.
Battersea Central Mission, PO Box 17, London, SW11 3QE
Tel. (020) 7207 1117 Fax (020) 7924 1491 Mon to Fri 9.00am-5.00pm

Shanti Women's Aid - Provides advice, support, information and short-term emergency housing, for Asian women and children fleeing domestic violence.
PO Box 407, London, SW18 2TP
Tel. (020) 8874 7262 Mon to Fri 9.00am-5.00pm

South London African Women's Organisation - Provides counselling and advice to survivors of domestic violence from the African community.
PO Box 2635, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 3XG
Tel. 0800 800 444 - 24 hour helpline
Email: africaslawo@aol.com

ASHA Project - Support for Asian women with children who have been subjected to domestic violence.
13 Shrubbery Road, Streatham Hill, SW16 2AS 
Tel. (020) 8696 0023
Email: asha1@cix.co.uk

Mushkil Aasaan  - Free confidential advice, information and support for asian families.
220-222 Upper Tooting Road, London, SW17 7EW
Tel. (020) 8672 6581 Fax (020) 6862 3054
Email: muskilaasaan@btconnect.com

Top of page

Emergency and Out Of Hours Services

Battersea Police Station - 112-118 Battersea Bridge Road London SW1 3AF
Tel: 0300 123 1212

Wandsworth Police Station - 146 Wandsworth High Street Wandsworth London SW18 4JJ
Tel. 0300 123 1212

National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline  - 24hour helpline providing access to emergency refuge accommodation and information about domestic violence issues and safety planning.
Tel. 0808 2000 247

St George's Healthcare Trust  - 24 hour, seven days a week, emergency services, including senior accident and emergency staff and equipped to deal with serious injuries and illnesses.
Accident and Emergency Department, Ground Floor, St James Wing, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, SW17 0QT
Tel. (020) 8672 1222

Victim Support - This helpline is available from 9.00am-9.00pm Mon to Fri; 9.00am-7.00pm on weekends and 9.00am-5.00pm on bank holidays.
Tel. 0845 303 0900

The Samaritans - 24 hour helpline that offers confidential, emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that may lead to suicide
Tel. 0845 790 9090

ChildLine - Free 24 hour helpline for children in distress or danger
Tel. 0800 1111

Wandsworth Children's Specialist Services
Tel. (020) 8871 6000 After 6.00pm during weekdays, on weekends and bank holidays

The Children's Refuge - 24 hour emergency service for people under 16 who need a safe place to stay and are unable to stay at home or with their carers.
Tel. 0800 389 2168

Top of page