About Us

We are Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid (BCWA)

Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid (BCWA) was set up in 1975. For nearly 50 years we’ve been empowering victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley and Croydon to make informed choices about their future. We’re committed to putting anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and information needed to free themselves from abusive relationships.

BCWA is a member of Women’s Aid Federation and works within a feminist ethos. Although we acknowledge that domestic abuse can happen to anyone, most cases are perpetrated against women and girls, and therefore, we consider domestic abuse to be a gendered crime.

History

Our history is framed within the context of campaigning for women’s rights, and a growing national awareness in the 70’s of abuse behind the curtains in homes throughout Britain.

In 1975, a small group of women, part of Bromley & Beckenham Women’s Group, set up Bromley Women’s Aid as a registered charity. Just 5 years later, 2 domestic abuse refuges were operational and staffed entirely by volunteers. It wasn’t until 1983, thanks to a grant from the Greater London Council, that the first paid staff member was employed.

In January 2016, Bromley Women’s Aid became Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid as a result of an amalgamation with Croydon Women’s Aid and the purchase of a refuge property in Croydon. Our 5 year-long Breaking Down Barriers Project ended in 2022 which allowed us to extensively investigate the barriers that vulnerable groups of women face, as we opened doors and created safe spaces for women and children who otherwise may not have been able to access support.

From the opening of our first refuge almost 50 years ago, we have developed our services beyond refuge provision taking a holistic approach to ensure that all women and girls receive support that is truly tailored to their needs.

Our Awards and Accreditations

We are regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registration No: N202331799.

Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid is authorised by IAA to provide immigration advice and services at Levels 1, 2 and 3 in the categories of Asylum & Protection.

We are also regulated by the Housing Ombudsman Service and comply with the Complaint Handling Code, under the the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.