A North London-based charity which provides support for women who are victims of domestic or sexual violence is teaming up with Enfield Council to raise awareness of abusive relationships among women who may not recognise the warning signs until it is too late.
Solace Women's Aid was set up in Islington 41 years ago and now operates throughout London.
The scale of violence against women is truly shocking - far higher than is generally appreciated. One in four women in the UK is affected and every week two women are killed by a partner or former partner.
One of the many ways that Solace helps support abused women is to provide refuges, including one at a secret address in Enfield. These allow victims to escape from violent partners. But London has a particularly high rate of domestic violence and the refuges are full to capacity.
Solace needs to raise more money not just for refuges, but also to provide counselling, allowing women and their families to recover from trauma, reduce levels of depression and anxiety, cut down their needs for medication and rebuild their lives.
It's a process that takes time. In the words of one survivor, "Your bruises go away and your bones mend. But it’s the effect on your head, it’s the despair, being hopeless. It’s a very dark place to be. But Solace has given me hope."
Please watch the short video below then visit the Solace website to find out how you can help financially and what volunteer opportunities are available.
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, visit the Solace website or phone 0808 802 5565.
How do I know I'm being abused?
Does he often criticise you, shout at you or humiliate you?
Is he often jealous or possessive?
Does he hurt you or threaten to hurt you or other people, even himself, if you say you want to leave the relationship?
Do you change your behaviour out of fear and to avoid making him angry?
Does he control your money, what you wear or where you go?
Does he stop you from seeing your family or your friends?
Does he force you to have sex when you don’t want to?
Does he blame you for his abuse and say it’s your fault?
Services provided by Solace Women's Aid
Advice
The Advice team takes calls from women across London affected by domestic and sexual violence and provides immediate advice and short-term support on safety issues, housing options, financial concerns and child related issues.
Refuge Accommodation
Our refuges provide safe emergency accommodation for women and their children fleeing violence. Staff work with women to find permanent accommodation and provide support with their practical and emotional needs during this difficult time of transition.
Community based advocacy & support
Local Advocacy teams work with women, offering specialist advice and support specifically in relation to safety, housing, financial and welfare benefits, and available services for children.
Counselling and therapy
We offer one to one counselling sessions which provide a safe space for women to explore the impact of violence on their lives. Therapeutic groups and workshops enable women to meet peers, share experiences and begin to rebuild their self-esteem and confidence.
North London Rape Crisis
Our North London Rape Crisis service works with women and girls over the age of 13 who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any point in their lives. A dedicated emotional support helpline, specialist advocates, counsellors and group therapists provide practical and therapeutic support to help women heal from the trauma they have experienced.
Children and Young People
Our team deliver a range of services for families and young people living in the community including therapeutic support for mothers and children to explore their feelings and rebuild vital relationships.
Specialist services groups and programs
We provide specialist support including our Silver Project for women over 55, IRIS Project working with GPs and patients, the Sanctuary project to provide in-home security, WRAP (Women Resilience & Awareness Program) and our Irish Traveller Project.
