WWIN is a women-led, specialist domestic abuse service that delivers highly respected, trauma-informed victim support services. We deliver training for community members and professionals on responding to and supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
WWIN are an independent registered charity working across Wearside to support those affected by domestic abuse today, and create safer futures for everyone tomorrow.
Who we are
What we do:
Deliver accessible, effective, specialist domestic abuse services that are informed by service users’ experiences.
Challenge inequality in access to safety, justice, health and wellbeing, and campaign for social change, including shaping future policy and practice.
Work with communities through education and engagement, equipping them with the knowledge and understanding to spot the early signs of abuse and respond effectively, and create a cultural shift in attitudes to domestic abuse.
What we can help you with:
Our Journey
WWIN was first established in 1983, and started its life as Washington Women in Need. The charity was created by women from domestic abuse advice centres, local community groups and past tenants of a women’s refuge. They recognised the need for specialised support for women within the local area.
The name of the charity then changed to Wearside Women in Need once they realised the need for the service across the whole of Sunderland. Throughout the 90’s, WWIN was mainly run by volunteers, unlike most other Domestic Abuse Units in the UK. We acknowledge and appreciate how WWIN was created and what it means for the local members of the community to support and help other members of our community live free of domestic abuse.
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Here at WWIN we are proud to carry this same value today.
The start
Washington Women in Need (as we were originally known) came into existence. A grassroots community development, the original aims of WWIN were to set up a women’s centre and a women’s refuge.
1983
WWIN starts life as Washington Women in Need
The start
1988
1992
The Elms
The Elms offices were opened in Washington, giving WWIN a public face, a place where survivors could get help and advice, volunteers could be trained, and counselling could take place. The idea of high street offices for survivors of domestic abuse was, at the time, a radical concept and remains a good example of how WWIN has pioneered new initiatives. ​
Wearside Women in Need
WWIN were asked to take on the management of the Sunderland DA refuge project. Washington Women in Need became Wearside Women in Need. ​
WWIN starts life as Washington Women in Need