“By achieving our vision for Stop Domestic Abuse and committing ourselves to the values that underpin our work, we will significantly improve the lives of those to whom we provide services.”
Towards the end of the 1980s, it was decided that Havant refuge needed to be funded to a level that allowed for a fully professional approach. With support from Portsmouth Housing Association, Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council we were able to become financially independent.
Now, Stop Domestic Abuse are the principal provider of services to those affected by domestic abuse in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. We provide community-based services, and group work for individuals to help them understand domestic abuse and improve their safety. We offer preventative work in schools, face to face and virtual support, group work and awareness raising events for professionals and the wider community.
We run 18 refuges across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton which are available to women with or without children. We offer dispersed accommodation units for people who are unable to or face barriers to accessing refuge accommodation.
We also run a perpetrator programme for people who use abusive and/or unhealthy behaviours and accept responsibility for their actions and want to change.
A group of local people saw a need in Havant (Hampshire) for a refuge for women and children. They established Havant Women’s Aid which later became Southern Domestic Abuse Service.
The first refuge opened. It was known locally as ‘Betty’s Refuge’ after Betty Bell who had been instrumental in getting it established.
Demand in Havant increases and the refuge becomes better known as a source of help for victims.
We start a new partnership with Portsmouth City Council to deliver support to the non-abusive partners and the children of perpetrators attending the Up2U service in Fareham, Gosport,
Havant and Portsmouth.
We purchase our first property which provides dispersed safe accommodation and also provides the organisation with a capital asset.
“By achieving our vision for Stop Domestic Abuse and committing ourselves to the values that underpin our work, we will significantly improve the lives of those to whom we provide services.”