Working to end domestic violence

Lambeth’s award winning Gaia Centre is helping hundreds of women affected by domestic violence.

Domestic violence affects one in four women nationally and is a major issue for many of the inner-London boroughs, which is why the council and partners teamed up to open the Gaia Centre. It provides help to women who have suffered domestic violence in finding a new home, linking them with other family members or continuing to support them in sanctuary schemes.

This partnership is managed by staff from 12 different organisations including Lambeth Council, the police, voluntary sector providers, local solicitors, and members of Lambeth’s Domestic Violence Forum.

Since opening in May 2006, the centre has helped over 850 women, with 40 new cases every month. The majority of cases have had successful outcomes for the women with an 87 per cent conviction rate for offenders brought to trial, compared to 67 per cent nationally.