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Overview
Domestic violence
Domestic violence is any incident(s) of or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
It’s not confined to one gender or ethnic group and includes ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. The following are all types of abuse:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional
For help identifying domestic violence and abuse view NHS Choices –
Recognising the signs of domestic abuse.
Violence against women and girls (VAWG)
Violence against women and girls includes:
- child sexual exploitation
- domestic violence and abuse
- female genital mutilation
- forced marriage
- violence committed in the name of “honour”
- prostitution
- sexual exploitation
- sexual harassment
- sexual violence, including rape
- stalking
- trafficking
Further details on the different types of VAWG are included in our strategy. Although domestic abuse is primarily committed against women, we recognise that men are often victims of domestic abuse too.
Violence against women and girls strategic aims – 2016 - 2018
Further information
Helplines and other support services
One Stop Shop
Merton has a confidential drop-in service for people experiencing domestic violence. It’s held every Monday between 9.30am -12.00 noon (except bank holidays) at Morden Baptist Church, Crown Lane, Morden, SM4 5BL. For further details call One Stop Shop on 020 7801 1777.
Victim Support
Victim Support has independent domestic violence advisors (IDVA) you can speak to.
Phone: 020 7801 1777 (Weeknights 8pm to 8am, weekends Saturday 5pm to Monday 8am)
Victim Support
Broken Rainbow
A national lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) domestic violence helpline providing confidential support to all members of the LGBT communities, their family, friends, and agencies supporting them.
Phone: 0300 999 5428
Broken Rainbow
National Domestic Violence Helpline
The National Domestic Violence Helpline is run in partnership with Women's Aid and Refuge.
The helpline is staffed 24 hours a day by fully trained helpline support workers and volunteers.
Phone: 0808 2000 247
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Men’s Advice Line
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse and violence.
Phone: 0808 801 0327
Men’s Advice Line
Women & Girls Network
A women-only service that supports women in London who’ve experienced violence or are at risk of violence.
Phone: 0808 801 0660
Women & Girls Network
Galop
A lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) helpline for people who’ve experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse.
Phone: 0207 704 2040
Galop
Forward
The Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development is committed to gender equality and safeguarding the rights of African girls and women.
Phone: 0208 960 4000, ext 1
Forward
Iranian & Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO)
IKWRO provides advice to Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls who are at risk of ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence.
Phone: 0207 920 6460
Iranian & Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO)
Referral to MARAC
If a Victim Support independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) thinks you’re at risk from future harm from domestic violence, they may discuss your situation at a meeting called a domestic violence multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC). At the meeting they draw up an action plan to help manage the risk.
If you’re a professional and would like to refer someone complete a MARAC referral form. Email the form to mertonmarac@merton.gov.uk.cjsm.net. You can also email any questions you have on domestic violence to this email address.
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – Clare’s Law
If you are worried about your partner causing you harm or the partner of someone else causing them harm, you can ask the police and partner agencies to check their background. They can check if they have a record of abusive offences or if there is any other information to indicate they may pose a risk.
RASASC
Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre is a team dedicated to the healing and empowerment of survivors of sexual violence.
Telephone: 0808 802 9999
RASASC
National Stalking Helpline
The National Stalking Helpline is the first national helpline to specialise in providing information and advice to victims of harassment and stalking.
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
National Stalking Helpline
Counselling Directory
Find a counsellor or psychotherapist near you.
Telephone: 0844 803 0252
Counselling Directory
MASCOT
MASCOT Telecare and Community Support Services provide a range of initiatives enabling people to remain at home with independence and security.
Telephone: 0208 274 5940
MASCOT
Police Community Safety Unit in Merton
Address: Wimbledon Police Station, 15 Queens Road, London SW19 8NN
- Phone: 020 8649 3063
- Mobile: 07768035450
- Email: csumertonborough@met.police.uk
In an emergency phone 999 as this isn’t a 24 hour service.
Other support services
16 Days campaign
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign which runs every year from 25 November to 10 December. Each year we have a themed campaign in Merton Civic Centre to promote the domestic violence support services available in the borough.
