Athena, run by Refuge – gender-based abuse service in Lewisham
If you are experiencing gender-based abuse in Lewisham, Athena, run by Refuge, can support you and your children to keep safe.
Athena: single point of access for gender-based abuse survivors in Lewisham
Our local service offers:
- Refuge accommodation for those fleeing domestic abuse and in need of a safe place to stay
- Independent Gender-based Violence advocates (IGVAs) to support anyone of any gender, who is at high risk of serious harm due to gender-based abuse
- Outreach support to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing gender-based abuse
- Sanctuary scheme to provide a range of practical measures to increase a survivor’s safety at their own home
- Drop-in services, held at confidential locations across Lewisham
- We also run a specialist group programme focusing on the dynamics of domestic abuse for women who have been subjected to abuse enabling them to regain ownership of their lives
Our services support:
- Women and girls aged 13 and over
- Men aged 16 and over
- Trans men and trans women
- Those who are questioning their gender identity
What is Gender Based violence?
Gender-based violence refers to any type of harm that is perpetrated against a person or group of people because of their factual or perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It is based on an imbalance of power and is carried out with the intention to humiliate and make a person or group of people feel inferior and/or subordinate. The majority of gender-based violence is carried out by men against women and girls. However, we recognise that people of other genders experience violence.
Athena, run by Refuge, is open to survivors of all genders and those who are questioning their gender identity.
Need help in Lewisham?
Call Athena, run by Refuge on 0800 112 4052 (Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm) to speak to one of our support workers.
If the line is busy or for out of hours calls, a voicemail operates on this number.
If you leave a message, please do let us know your name, number and a safe time to call and we will get back to you.
If you have any questions or queries, email us.
In an emergency, always call 999.