Empowering Survivors to Shape Their Futures
At STN, our mission is to empower survivors of domestic abuse to regain control of their lives and healing journeys. We champion their right to make independent choices, rebuild confidence, and create safer futures on their own terms.
We are deeply committed to supporting and uplifting women from all backgrounds. We believe in the power of community, compassion, and connection—because when women support one another, healing and transformation become possible.
STN offers a range of tailored services and training programmes, including counselling, advocacy, peer support groups, awareness campaigns, mentorship, workshops, and skills development. Our services are designed to meet the unique needs of BAME women and others facing complex, intersecting challenges—helping them recover, rebuild, and thrive.
We offer the following help and support in the form of:
General Advice and Advocacy
We provide personalised, one-to-one advice and advocacy services to help women navigate life’s challenges with confidence and support. Our team offers clear, practical guidance on issues such as housing, welfare and benefit claims, debt management, immigration, employment opportunities, and access to further education.
We also focus on improving health and wellbeing through compassionate, holistic support. This includes emotional guidance and access to essential resources such as mental health services.
Our team handles sensitive and complex issues with the utmost care and expertise, including forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and honour-based violence (HBV). Whatever your situation, we’re here to listen, advise, and help you take the next steps toward safety and independence.
Crisis Helpline
We offer a confidential 24/7 helpline for women in need of immediate support. Our compassionate team is always here to listen, offer guidance, and help you find the safest way forward. Whether you need someone to talk to, emotional support, or advice on your next steps, you are not alone — we are here for you.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
For non-emergency support or general inquiries, please contact us at info@rosa.org.uk or call our support line at 020 8887 0155.
Safe shelter
At STN, we are dedicated to assisting women in need by finding safe refuge and secure locations for those seeking shelter. Our services are confidential and secure, encompassing a range of support measures. These include assistance in identifying a safe haven, establishing a code word for emergency situations, and preparing an emergency bag with essential items for quick departures.
Additionally, we provide help with housing applications for those facing homelessness, and we offer support in appealing decisions related to eviction notices (such as Section 21) and other housing-related challenges.
Our team also offers guidance in finding temporary housing solutions and facilitates the planning of immediate next steps, ensuring that every woman in need receives the support and assistance required in these critical situations.
Safety Planning
We aim to ensure your safety always comes first. We work closely with women to create personalised safety plans tailored to their unique situations and needs. Each plan focuses on protecting both physical and emotional well-being, helping women feel safer, more prepared, and more in control.
Legal Aid Support
Understanding your legal rights and protections as a survivor of domestic abuse is an important step toward safety and independence. At STN, we’re here to help you feel informed, confident, and in control of your legal situation.
If you need legal advice or representation, we can connect you with trusted solicitors, advocates, and counsellors who specialise in domestic violence and family law. They can guide you through every stage of the legal process — from applying for protective injunctions to exploring divorce or other legal options that keep you and your family safe.
Our team will be by your side throughout, offering guidance and emotional support to help you navigate each step with confidence and care.
Professional Counselling
Our goal is to offer compassionate, confidential counselling and emotional support for women who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse.
We work with qualified and experienced counsellors who understand the emotional and psychological impact of abuse. They offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can talk, process your experiences, and begin your journey toward healing.
Our team can connect you with trusted therapists who specialise in trauma recovery and emotional wellbeing, ensuring you receive the right support at every stage of your healing process.
Outreach
We are committed to ensuring our services are both easily accessible and widely known. Our outreach strategy is multi-dimensional and designed to cater to a diverse range of needs. This includes providing drop-in services, engaging through social media platforms, forums, and support groups, as well as fostering peer networks and other interactive platforms. These varied options ensure that those in need can find and utilise our support in the way that best suits them.
Collaboration and Partnership & Cross Referrals
Our service extends to offering cross referrals in a variety of specialist areas to help women who face problems like domestic violence, money troubles, and mental health issues. These include assistance with immigration, debt management, and others. We work in partnership with the police, VWAG (Violence Against Women and Girls) Organisations, lawyers, legal counsels and others.
Skills Training Workshops
We provide a suite of programs aimed at empowering women by equipping them with essential skills for personal and professional growth. Our offerings include English language courses, comprehensive computer training, and employment-related life skills. We also focus on job placement assistance, financial education, and confidence-building exercises. In addition, we host seminars and events, and conduct awareness-raising workshops and training sessions for professionals and practitioners. These sessions cover critical topics such as child marriage, domestic abuse, human trafficking, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and honour-based violence.
Our programs are meticulously designed to aid women in regaining their independence, rebuilding their self-esteem, and fostering a sense of self-reliance through both in-house training and external awareness sessions.
Keeping Safe
Steps to Keep Safe
For women facing domestic violence, it’s crucial to have a safety plan in place. Here are key steps to consider for staying safe:
- Recognise the Warning Signs: Be aware of patterns or signs that typically lead to violent episodes. Recognising these can help in anticipating and avoiding dangerous situations.
- Create a Safety Plan: This plan should include safe places to go in an emergency, important phone numbers (friends, family, local shelters, hotlines), and a set of actions to take if violence escalates.
- Secure Important Documents and Money: Keep important documents (like ID, passport, bank details, health records) and some emergency money in a place that is easily accessible in case you need to leave quickly.
- Develop a Code with Friends or Family: Have a code word or signal that you can use to let them know you are in danger and need help without alerting the abuser.
- Educate Yourself on Legal Rights: Know your legal rights and the protective laws in your area. This can include restraining orders or other legal protections.
- Seek Support Networks: Engage with local domestic violence support groups, shelters, or counseling services. They can provide emotional support, legal advice, and practical assistance.
- Practice How to Get Out Safely: Plan and practice how to get out of your house safely in different scenarios. Teach your children how to dial emergency services.
- Take Care of Your Emotional Health: Domestic violence can have significant emotional impacts. Consider seeking professional counseling or therapy to help cope with the trauma.
- Use Technology Cautiously: Be aware that your abuser might monitor your phone, computer, or social media. Use caution when seeking help online or communicating about your situation.
- Trust Your Instincts: If you feel you are in danger, trust your instincts and seek help immediately. Your safety is the most important thing.
Remember, every situation is unique, so tailor these steps to fit your specific circumstances. It’s important to prioritise your safety and well-being above all.