Lambeth women THREE TIMES more likely to suffer domestic abuse than other boroughs

Lambeth women have the most dangerous home lives of any borough in south-west London, reveal exclusive figures obtained by SW Londoner.

The Metropolitan Police released the data in response to an FOI request, show that women in Lambeth are three times more likely to be attacked by their partners than those living in Kingston or Richmond.

Last year there were 1,078 cases of domestic violence reported in Lambeth, but only 333 and 328 incidents documented in Kingston and Richmond respectively.

Lambeth Council intends to tackle the issue by working to prevent violence against women, as well as improving prosecution rates against perpetrators.

Cllr Jane Edbrooke, cabinet member for neighborhoods, said: “Ending violence against women and girls is one of Lambeth Council’s key priorities.

“We want Lambeth to be a safe place for all, and a borough where residents don’t have to be fearful of, or experience, gender-based violence.”

The figures also show that Lambeth is the only south-west London borough in which married women are more likely to be the victim of domestic abuse than their non-married counterparts.

A total of 735 married women in Lambeth reported abuse in the last year, as opposed to 343 non-married women.

According to Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of domestic violence charity Refuge, these figures are likely to be the tip of the iceberg.

“In our experience, women and children suffer multiple incidents of violence and abuse before finding the courage to ask for help,”  she said.

Incidents were also high in Wandsworth, where 730 women were victims – while just 354 women in Kensington and Chelsea reported violence at home.

Women’s centres in Lambeth deal not only with domestic abuse, but also forced marriage, female genital mutilation, sex trafficking, honour based violence and gang related abuse.

Despite the high rates of violence against women, the area has some of the best services in the country for victims of gender based violence.

The area’s pioneering Gaia Centre, which takes over 2,000 calls a year, was labeled ‘a model of its type’.

Service user Maria, whose name has been changed, said: “My case workers at Gaia were the only people who I could connect to, who I could talk to – any time I needed them.

“I just think that this is a great service for every women who feels herself in such a desperate situation.”

Sandra Horley said she is extremely proud of Refuge’s work in Lambeth.

“We would encourage other councils to look to the Lambeth model for inspiration when developing their own specialist services,” she added.

For more information about the Gaia Centre call 0207 733 8724 or email [email protected]

Full breakdown figures below: