Our very own Rachel Wilkes had the opportunity to interview CEO of the Watford Women's Center, Lucy Martin and discuss all that the women’s centre has to offer.
Watford Women's Centre is based right in the heart of Watford. They are a charity that delivers free and low cost. In domestic abuse support, counselling and education and training courses; ensuring that women aged 18 and above can find the help they need at their own pace, no matter their circumstances.
They provide a Single Point of Access or dedicated phone line. This direct route ensures that any woman reaching out will speak directly to the team handling domestic abuse cases, offering immediate information, advice, and practical help. For those needing more personalised care, the service provides one-on-one sessions with dedicated caseworkers who work with each woman to assess the best course of action for her specific needs.
Additionally, the centre collaborates with local solicitors in Watford who provide free legal advice. These legal experts cover key areas such as family law, housing law, and immigration law, providing practical solutions that may be critical for women looking to escape abusive environments.
Many women also find it incredibly reassuring to hear from others who have faced similar struggles, helping to reduce the isolation that often accompanies domestic abuse. To help, the women’s centre offers a staff facilitated online support group as a space for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
The service also recognises the specific challenges faced by women from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds. One caseworker is dedicated to supporting these women, helping them navigate any cultural, legal, or language barriers they may encounter when seeking support.
It is often difficult to recognise domestic violence. Lucy Martin, CEO of the Watford Women's Center, says: “... it can be quite a long term. So it may not be that immediately in a relationship, things start to unravel or things start to. …one thing that can happen is that an abuser can very subtly isolate a woman from her, from her support network.
“So you may in the end be in a situation where you've kind of lost that contact with your friends and your peers. So you're no longer kind of able to sort of reference what is ‘normal’ in a relationship.”
Domestic violence isn’t just a gender specific issue, as one in four women and one in six men are affected. For those who are unsure where to turn, the first step may simply be reaching out.
The Watford Women’s Centre provides easy access through phone calls, emails, and even a discreet poster in the women’s toilets at the Watford shopping centre, making it possible for women to access support even in public spaces
So if you or someone you know might be in need of support please visit us at https://wwcplus.org.uk/
Listen to the full interview below
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (5th - 10th January 2025)
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch on New Year’s Eve
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (30th December 2024 - 3rd January 2025)
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Christmas Day (25th December 2024)
Aladdin at The Watford Palace Theatre review
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (23rd - 27th December 2024)
