Lewisham Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2026-2030

Overview

Help shape a safer Lewisham for women and girls

We want to hear from you.

The London Borough of Lewisham is creating a new strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. Whether you have been personally affected, are worried about someone you know, or simply have views on how we can make our streets and homes safer, your voice is essential.

CONTENT WARNING

We recognise that some of these topics may be difficult to think about. All questions are optional, you can skip any question, and your responses are anonymous. If you have lived experience and feel safe to do so, you can choose to answer a few additional questions.

If you have been affected by the content of this survey and you require support, please contact Athena (Refuge): 0800 112 4052.

What does 'domestic abuse’ and ‘violence against women and girls' mean?

The UK government’s definition of ‘domestic abuse’ is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, 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. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.’

The term 'violence against women and girls' means acts of violence or abuse that disproportionately affect women and girls. Crimes and behaviours covered by this term can include sexual offences, domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, stalking, so called 'honour-based' abuse as well as many others.

Though these forms of violence and abuse affect more women and girls than men and boys, this does not mean that men and boys cannot also be victims of them.

Why your views matter

Why take part?

Your feedback will directly influence how the Council, the police, and local services work together over the next few years. By sharing your views, you are helping us understand:

• What contributes to you feeling safe or unsafe in our borough.

• What support services are working and what needs to change.

• What more we can do to make you feel safer in the borough

Safety and Privacy

• It is anonymous: You do not have to give your name. We will use the overall results to write our strategy, but no one will be able to identify you from your answers.

• It is your choice: You can skip any questions you don’t want to answer or stop the survey at any time.

• It may be sensitive: Some questions ask about experiences of abuse or safety. If you feel overwhelmed, please take a break or exit the page.

Support is available

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this survey and would like to speak to someone, help is available:

• The Athena Service (Lewisham): 0800 112 4052

• In an emergency: Always call 999.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for helping us make Lewisham safer for everyone.