Southern Domestic Abuse Service

General information

Havant Women's Aid was established in 1977 by a group of local people who saw there was a real need in the area for a refuge for women and children who were experiencing domestic abuse. At first the refuge was run entirely on a voluntary basis with the help of a small but regular annual grant from Hampshire County Council.

However throughout the 1980's demand for domestic abuse services increased as the Havant Refuge became better known as a source of help in the area and it was decided that the project should be funded on a level that permitted a fully professional approach.

In 1989 with support from Portsmouth Housing Association, Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, we were able to become financially independent.

A new management committee was set up entirely of local interested women with a wealth of expertise between them. One full time and one part time worker were employed to work in the refuge and to deal with day-to-day enquiries.

In April 2003 we started a new partnership with Hermitage Housing Association, now Guinness Hermitage, facilitated by Havant Borough Council.

In April 2011 we began providing services in East Hampshire District in partnership with Hampshire County Council Supporting People and Stonham.

In 2012 Havant Women's Aid became a Company Limited by Guarantee and a new charity called Southern Domestic Abuse Service was established.This was to reflect the changing nature of our services and to ensure that we are accessible and inclusive to all of our clients.

In 2015 we began providing services in the Fareham and Gosport Borough in Partnership with Hampshire County Council.

Southern Domestic Abuse Service's priority is to continue to provide comprehensive and responsive services to meet the needs of women, children, young people and men experiencing domestic abuse.