Hesita is another charity that operates refuges for women, I've had some contact with them in the past (as a volunteer) and they are all really good people.

Depending upon what type of visa your cleaner has, she may not be able to access public funds for help - it would say on her visa - "no access to public funding," I'm not up to date on what working rights Romanians have under the EU. However, Hestia helps women regardless of their visa.

Here's the link to their site: http://www.hestia.org.uk/how-we-help/do ... nformation

Their main page is: www.hestia.org.uk

She's lucky to have you in her corner. Good luck.

also don't forget the Police and the law have changed dramatically in the last ten years. it's always worth reporting it to establish a history/pattern of violence.

What's the situation with her now?? Hope she's well and left her husband!

Eaves is a charity in London that I have worked with. They have safe houses across the city and specialise in providing housing and support for women escaping domestic violence. I have seen women of all nationalitites, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. They do amazing work.
http://www.eaves4women.co.uk/

This is so bad.I have no idea what I would do.


So happy to see that you are helping her that s so nice of you x

Hi there, nightmare. We have had a very similar situation just recently and I too didn't know what to do. I called the organisation below who helped liaise with the Lambeth Council Domestic Violence team. They have translators at hand. If your cleaner doesn't live in the Lambeth district then call the relevant council. They act very quickly and there are good support systems in place. Good luck x

Gaia Domestic Violence Centre
Telephone number: 0207 733 8724
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 -16:00 except Tuesday 13:30 -16:00
Who is it for: Women who live in Lambeth, who are currently experiencing, or who have experienced Domestic Violence and who are over the age of 18.

The Gaia Centre is a multi agency staffed advice centre for women who are experiencing domestic abuse in Lambeth. The service is free and staffed by only female members of staff.

There are a number of different agencies based at the centre that can provide specialist advice and information on issues such as housing, immigration, legal options, counselling, substance misuse and support for children and young people.

The domestic violence helpline number is: 0808 2000 247 and this is a great website that also caters for non-English speakers:

http://www.womensaid.org.uk/page.asp?se ... +languages

Good luck. Domestic violence never stops. On average 2 women a week IN THE UK ALONE are killed by their male partner or a former male partner and this constitutes ONE THIRD of all female homicide victims in the UK (Povey, (ed.), 2004, 2005; Home Office, 1999; Department of Health 2005).

I'm so pleased you're helping your cleaner, it will make such a difference to her having someone like you looking out for her.

I don't know where she stands in terms of the law but I strongly recommend calling the national domestic violence hotline http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/ - they should be able to offer advice and support.

Maybe you can help by calling on her behalf if she struggles with English.

Please let me know how you get on or if you need any more contacts because I can get more details of organizations who either deal with domestic violence or who work with refugees.

Best of luck to her.