UVW members at Solace Women’s Aid in Tower Hamlets are standing up against devastating cuts that would gut their team by a third, and potentially put lives at risk.

Tower Hamlets has the second-highest domestic abuse rate in London, with nearly 70% of victims being women. In just eight months last year, the Solace team managed 1,339 referrals and provided vital support to 519 survivors. Cutting the team by a third will leave countless women without a lifeline, with no one to turn to in their darkest moments.

The team provides emotional support, risk assessments, safety planning, and advocacy, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives while navigating systemic barriers like immigration restrictions and legal challenges.

Solace worker and UVW member said: “Domestic abuse, violence against women, and girls is a national emergency. The staff at Solace Women’s Aid do amazing work. We support so many people when they have nowhere to go, and we do this every day. I also want other charity workers to know they deserve to feel supported. It can be an isolating and difficult job.”

These workers are not just fighting to save their jobs, they’re fighting to save lives. This fight isn’t just about Tower Hamlets, it’s about standing up against the destruction of vital public services everywhere. Which why they are taking the historic decision, as domestic violence advisors, to ballot for strike action.

Join the campaign to demand that Tower Hamlets Council intervene, protect these indispensable services and ensure no one is left without help in their moment of need.

Stand with Solace workers. Share their story, donate to their campaign and fight for justice for survivors.