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Emergency Numbers: 999 (Dial 55 while on the line if you cannot speak), ESDAS: 01737 771 350
East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS) provides support to relieve the hardship caused by domestic abuse in all its forms.
We assist anyone affected by domestic abuse and violence in East Surrey*, and can advise on things like criminal and civil law, housing and children, alongside associated services that include:
We follow a survivor-led, needs-led, trauma-informed approach, responding to each individual’s needs at a pace that is controlled by them.
*Formerly the borough / districts of Tandridge, Reigate & Banstead and Mole Valley.
Set up as an independent charity in 1993, East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS) was created in partnership with survivors and the local community in response to the injustice many experience in losing their network and having to flee their homes to escape abuse.
Many of our staff, volunteers and trustee team (around 75%) are experts by lived experience. This provides a unique understanding of domestic abuse and the challenges many in our community face.
Our mission is to relieve the hardship caused by domestic abuse, to be a safe space for survivors of domestic abuse and violence regardless of gender, race or ethnicity.
We follow a survivor-led, strengths-based, needs-led, trauma-informed approach, responding to each individual’s needs at a pace that is controlled by them.
The majority of our work is delivered from a female only single sex space, but this can be adapted.
Ultimately, our aim is to empower survivors with the information and support they need to escape domestic abuse and violence.
At ESDAS, we believe every survivor of domestic abuse has the right to safety, respect, and support. Understanding your rights can help you make informed choices and access the help you need.
Survivors are invited to safely and anonymously share feedback to help inform and shape the services we and SDAP provide. If you would like to make a contribution, please click the button below.
Domestic abuse is a crime and unacceptable to every single person who experiences it. We believe that our community should be a place where all people are free to live the lives they choose without fear of abuse or threat of harm. Too many people in East Surrey are trapped in controlling relationships with their partners, children or other family members.
We are here to help all survivors, regardless of sex or gender, to get the support they need. We can make adaptations to our service to ensure that you are able to get what you need from us. This might include interpreters, hearing loops, and an accessible and safe community venue.
The majority of our work is delivered from a woman only single sex space, but be assured that this won’t be a barrier to you getting the help you need, if that doesn’t feel like it would work for you.
We recognise that seeking support from domestic abuse relies on access to societal power and can be limited by identity and protected characteristics.
Domestic abuse thrives on gendered norms and social pressures; women’s experiences of domestic abuse are both a cause and consequence of their wider experiences of gender inequality. The expectation of men from traditional or conservative forms of masculinity can make it hard to reach out to services for help. While trans and non-binary people are living in an increasingly hostile environment. Survivors tell us that they are worried people won’t believe their experiences or understand who they were before the abuse started. We will always respect you and treat you with the dignity and care you need.
Founded in 1993, ESDAS has a proven track record of delivering high quality life-saving services to survivors and our work has achieved both local and national recognition.
Appointed Lead Provider of a partnership of specialist domestic abuse charities across Surrey
Winners of the Glaxo Smith-Kline IMPACT Award
Women’s Aid Federation England National Quality Standards Stage 1 accreditation
Reaccredited Women’s Aid National Quality Standards
ESDAS is the lead provider for SDAP (Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership) – comprised of a group of independent charities within Surrey:
DA Seen is an all-female group made up of members from the four specialist domestic abuse outreach services in Surrey.
We work collectively with a number of organisations and groups in the community advising on legislation and policy around domestic abuse.
Many women face additional barriers due to disability, racism, culture, faith, homophobia, mental health and financial hardship. Our aim is to provide insight to help shape legislation that supports these women.
Domestic abuse is classed as a pattern of abusive behaviour in a relationship, whether that be from an intimate partner or a family member.
Disagreements in relationships are normal, but if this becomes a common occurrence, it might be a sign that something is wrong and perhaps abusive. It’s hard to think of someone we care about being abusive towards us, but usually, if something doesn’t feel right in a relationship, it probably isn’t.
Domestic abuse can include:
Those causing you harm may try to minimise, excuse or justify their behaviour, which can cause you to doubt how you feel and your experience. Domestic abuse is not caused by addiction or mental health issues, although these may overlap. However, many people who use alcohol or drugs or have mental health concerns do not cause harm to others. Domestic abuse is about control and is a behaviour choice.
A healthy relationship should be a loving, respectful place with values like support, freedom, happiness and consent at the centre.
Video using British Sign Language and subtitles
There is a lot of information and support available on the ESDAS website to guide you through your legal rights concerning housing, marriage and how to protect your children.
Contact our team here to find out more here.
ESDAS also has links to a local law firm that can provide an initial conversation free of charge.
Other resources include:
Here you’ll find comprehensive information about children and the law, civil and marital partnerships, and legal guides specifically focused on women’s rights.
For general advice, contact the Rights of Women team on: 020 7251 6575
You are not expected to stay in your home if it is unsafe for you or another person.
Contact our team who can help you plan an alternative place to live, whether that’s a long-term approach with your local housing department or an emergency alternative in a refuge space.
In some cases, with support, you may be able to stay in your home with certain safety adjustments.
If you are both owners of the home or are married, then your spouse/partner will have rights to enter the home so would be entitled to request a key if you changed the locks.
If there is a civil order, such as an occupation order or a criminal restraining order in place, then you are able to change the locks to ensure your safety. If police or court bail conditions are in place stating the person is not to attend your home address, an option could be to install a chain, which could provide you with some additional safety whilst you are in the home.
A refuge is a safe accommodation, usually in a shared home with other families managed by a domestic abuse service.
A refuge provides accommodation for a period, usually 6 months to a year and supports you to integrate back into the community, either in the area you are staying or another area that is safe for you to live.
A refuge will only accept individuals or families who have left the area that is unsafe, which usually means moving to an area that is approximately an hour away by public transport.
A refuge would need you to leave any workplace and children’s schools to ensure your safety and the safety of those within the refuge.
What this provides is accommodation free of harm and can often be arranged within a few days.
You can apply for what is called a non-molestation order through the civil court. This can be applied for using this form.
This form can also be used to apply for an occupation order if your partner is residing with you in your home. An occupation order is a form of injunction which is issued under the Family Law Act 1996. It determines who is entitled to reside in a property and may restrict or exclude parties from certain areas of the home or the home as a whole.
Alternatively, you can contact the National Centre for Domestic Violence who can arrange a legal service to help you.
On some occasions, ESDAS may be able to provide support for you at court and to guide you through this process.
More in-depth information about protective civil orders can be found here.
You are not alone, and there are many organisations that can provide advice and support for financial concerns.
If applicable, ESDAS can signpost you to food banks that can support you in the interim whilst you get back on your feet.
Payplan is a service dedicated to helping you through debt management. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can also provide advice and support.
“Domestic Violence Injunction Handbook” provides step-by-step advice on filling in the forms. For free legal advice call: 0207 251 6577.
National Quality Standards – the gold standard framework for best practice.
Your experiences matter. By sharing feedback safely and anonymously, you can help shape our services and improve support for survivors.