Lambeth Council currently funds 52 refuge bed spaces, the highest number of commissioned domestic abuse safe accommodation beds in any London borough—twice the London average.
Lambeth Council hosted London Mayor Sadiq Khan today as he announced a new £6 million investment aimed at supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse in finding safe accommodation and rebuilding their lives. Khan chose Lambeth for the announcement to highlight the borough’s leading work in tackling violence against women and girls and its successful partnerships with community organisations such as Refuge, Solace, and Asha.
Cllr Claire Holland, the Leader of Lambeth Council, expressed pride in Lambeth’s efforts to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and its collaboration with the Mayor of London to improve safety for women and girls. She noted that the visit reflects Lambeth’s strong track record in securing local funding, building partnerships, and maintaining expertise in the sector. Holland also highlighted the borough’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence despite years of funding cuts.
Lambeth Council currently funds 52 refuge bed spaces, the highest number of commissioned domestic abuse safe accommodation beds in any London borough—twice the London average.
Mayor Khan described domestic abuse refuges and community organisations as essential lifelines for many Londoners. He acknowledged that grassroots support groups have been struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis and previous government underfunding. Khan welcomed the opportunity to partner with others to secure funding for vital support services for thousands of domestic abuse survivors across the city.
Lambeth Council’s strategy for tackling violence against women and girls, in place since 2021, outlines a five-year plan to work with partners to support victims and survivors while holding perpetrators accountable. It builds on over a decade of work to develop effective services, partnerships, and support systems.
Holland noted that most of Lambeth’s support services are culturally specific to address the unique needs of women and children fleeing abuse. She also mentioned that the Gaia Centre provides specialist community-based support for victims and survivors of all genders and ages at risk of gender-based violence. Holland added that the council looks forward to collaborating with the Mayor and his team to develop a fair and sustainable support system for domestic abuse survivors across London.
