Community Support Services
Women's Services

1 in 4 Women experience

domestic violence

2 Women die every week in the UK

as a result of domestic violence

CALL our 24-Hour HELPLINE

on 0800 587 6500

SFT has been delivering Community Support in Portsmouth for several years for Women who experience domestic violence (DV). Our teams offer information, advice and someone to listen for all those concerned with domestic violence. Our approach is to empower women and children to change their circumstances, as well as to prevent domestic violence and all other kinds of abuse.

SFT's Women's Services run 4 refuge houses where women hold regular meetings as part of the responsive and holistic service we offer to meet the needs of our users.

The Women's Services consists of:
	A 4-house refuge service with direct access for women and children escaping domestic violence. We have up to 27 family units at any one time.
	Single women's supported accommodation provision with 2 move-on flats.
	A Domestic Violence Helpline with a Co-ordinator and a team of volunteers. The Helpline responds to all who need information about domestic violence (0800 587 6500).
	Ethnic Minority service, which supports women in the refuge as well as women and children in the community who are from minority communities.
	A small team of Children's Workers who work with children within the refuge and the children of women who are suffering from domestic abuse in the community. The team organise play sessions and 1-1 support for children and young people, aimed at helping them to come to terms with their experience.
	Outreach service for women in the community who have either moved on from the refuge or are not able to make use of the refuge service. Women can access 1-1 support or drop-in and group sessions. We aim to facilitate women supporting women when possible.
	Outreach Support Service (part-time) for the partners of men on Portsmouth's Perpetrator's Programme.

If you have experienced Domestic Violence or need information, advice or listening support, please phone our free Helpline which is staffed 24 hours a day 0800 587 6500