London Abused Women's Centre

About London Abused Women's Centre

The London Abused Women's Centre (LAWC) is a feminist organization located on York Street in Central London. It serves women and girls over the age of 12 from London, Middlesex County, and surrounding communities who have experienced violence from an intimate partner, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, non-state torture, or general abuse and harassment. The organization provides free counselling, advocacy, and support. Specific services include trauma and violence-informed, woman-centered counselling, safety planning, and the Survivors to Thrivers program. For those requiring immediate assistance, the centre offers an Urgent Services Program where individuals can walk in or call to speak with an Urgent Services Advocate Counsellor for a 15-minute session. This initial contact allows for debriefing, urgent safety planning, and determining next steps or referrals. The centre also provides support for women who have entered the sex trade and offers services that are inclusive of all races, ages, abilities, languages, and gender identities. LAWC describes its mission as ending violence against women and girls by addressing the patriarchy and systemic oppression. The organization advocates for personal, social, and political change to end violence and works to create a world free from oppression. They participate in community involvement through the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign, which aims to raise awareness of men's violence against women by turning communities purple during the month of November. For those requiring services in French, the centre provides information for Fem’aide and Carrefour des Femme du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario.