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07.02.2025 / News / Solace

All eyes on Solace Women’s Aid as indefinite strike action looms

On 6 February 2025, hundreds of people gathered outside Tower Hamlets Town Hall to oppose proposed cuts to essential services for victims and survivors of domestic violence. The demonstration brought together members of Sisters Uncut, various collectives, trade unions, and local community members, all united in their support for Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) fighting against devastating redundancies by Solace Women’s Aid in Tower Hamlets.

Tower Hamlets has the second-highest rate of domestic abuse cases in London, with almost 70% of victims being female and one in three women and girls experiencing gender-based violence in their lifetime. The charity is contracted to provide support to survivors of domestic abuse with the council. Between April and December 2024, the Solace team managed 1,339 referrals and supported 519 victim-survivors. The proposed staff reductions could leave countless individuals without essential, life-saving support during their most vulnerable times. It remains uncertain whether the funding cuts were made by the Council or Solace, as both parties have denied responsibility.

The IDVAs, represented by the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, have voted unanimously to commence indefinite strike action starting 14 February 2025 in response to looming redundancies and substantial cuts to vital domestic abuse support services—cuts that could dismantle essential lifelines for some of London’s most vulnerable populations. This industrial action is historic, marking the first time IDVAs have ever gone on strike.

The love and solidarity among those present at the rally were palpable as IDVAs Tamara Topchiashvili and Syeda Batool addressed the assembled crowd, emphasising their commitment to the survivors who depend on their support.

Among the speakers at the rally were:

• Avaiah Day (Sisters Uncut)
• Isabel Cortés (UVW Assistant General Secretary)
• Councillor Maisha Begum
• Alexa Waud (Solace worker and organiser)
• Apsama Begum MP

Many speakers, like many of the IDVAs themselves,were survivors of domestic violence themselves, making their voices in support of these vital services even more powerful.

The power of organised workers and a mobilised community has already yielded tangible results. UVW members at Solace swiftly organised upon learning in January 2025 of the planned cuts to essential jobs and services. They began disseminating information throughout the community and mobilising allies to pressure Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman to intervene.

On the steps of the Town Hall, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, provided an update on the council’s position regarding the proposed cuts:

“Council officials and representatives from the Mayor’s Office met with the union, UVW, and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) to discuss redundancies being proposed by Solace. The union recognised that the Council has not cut funding and that the Council is not a decision-maker over Solace’s internal structures and staffing, as it is an independent organisation contracted by the Council to provide specialist support to victims of domestic abuse.

“Tackling the scourge of domestic violence is a priority for the Mayor, which is why we have significantly increased funding for domestic violence services and education and awareness initiatives in the community. We are concerned about the impact of Solace’s proposed staffing changes, as workers and the union have warned of significant consequences for the service. We acknowledge the IDVAs’ care, professionalism, and concern for service users.

“We commissioned Solace to provide domestic violence support, and it is unacceptable that a situation has developed where this vital service risks being disrupted. We urge Solace to pause the redundancy process to allow for discussions between the Council, UVW, its members, and Solace to find a resolution. We also call on Solace to recognise UVW and for workers to be actively involved in discussions moving forward.”

UVW calls on Solace to immediately pause the redundancy process and engage in urgent discussions with the council, UVW, and affected workers to reach a resolution that ensures no reduction in domestic violence services in Tower Hamlets, no job losses, permanent contracts for staff and recognition of UVW as the union representing IDVAs.

As the 14 February strike date approaches, IDVAs and their supporters remain steadfast and resolute in their fight to safeguard services that are a lifeline for many survivors of domestic violence.The outcome of this industrial action could set a significant precedent for the protection of support services amid broader austerity measures.

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