Lambeth marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

22 November 2018

Written by: Lambeth Council

Campaigns - Community Safety - News and announcements

Taking place this Sunday 25 November the day aims to raise awareness of the fact that women in Lambeth and around the world are disproportionately subject to sexual violence, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), domestic violence and other forms of violence.

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Lambeth marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Lambeth Council and its partners are committed to making Lambeth a borough in which residents don’t have to be fearful of, or experience, gender-based violence.

Ending violence against women and girls is one of our key priorities; with work focusing on preventing violence from happening in the first place, providing appropriate support and protection to victims and prosecuting and holding perpetrators to account, when violence does happen.

Leader of Lambeth Council, Cllr Lib Peck, said: “I am personally committed to dealing with the issue of violence against women and girls. The council is providing some excellent services, alongside partners, to help victims and prevent this type of violence.”

“Our VAWG strategy is clear in our ambitions and commitment and women and girls at risk of violence, or who have suffered violence, should know that we are here for them.”

 Our approach to VAWG is outlined in our Safer Lambeth VAWG Strategy which shows how our priorities are being addressed.


Support for victims

Lambeth Council commissions the Gaia Centre, the first integrated VAWG centre in the UK. They provide a one-to-one confidential and bespoke support service for females aged 13+ and males aged 16+ who live in Lambeth and who have experienced or who may be at risk of gender-based violence. Gaia is free and staffed by female members of staff only. Childcare provision is available.

Victims can self-refer by calling 020 7733 8724 or emailing lambethvawg@refuge.org.uk. The centre is open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday with an out-of-hours 24 hour on-call service.

If someone is in immediate danger, always advise them to call the police on 999.

The Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), brings together agencies to share information and create safety plans for victims who are at high risk of homicide or serious injury as a result of domestic abuse.

The Lambeth Prostitution Group (LPG) provides the same function for those involved in prostitution in Lambeth who are at high risk of harm.

Professionals can refer to the Lambeth MARAC or LPG by contacting lambethmarac@lambeth.gov.uk.