OUR MOTTO
We are a charity based in Norbury, south west London, providing counselling, education and support to those affected by domestic abuse. The Cassandra Centre (CC) was founded in 2007 after the tragic murder of 19-year old Cassandra McDermott by her ex-boyfriend.
One of our charity’s main activities is provision of counselling to people from across London who have experienced abuse. Working from our beautiful and secure premises in Norbury, our trained counsellors provide one-to-one and group therapy to individuals and families.
We also aim to raise awareness of what leads to domestic abuse and empower healthier relationships through work in schools, with community groups and through workshops.
Cassandra Centre is one of only a few domestic abuse charities to work with all those affected by, and at risk of domestic abuse, including perpetrators, in a bid to break the cycle of abuse.
Some of our community activities and programmes are targeted at specific at-risk groups, including older people, men and boys, people at risk of criminal exploitation and violence, new mothers, those with additional needs including autism and those with no recourse to public funds.
We recognise that domestic abuse can affect all aspects of life, including work, study and community relations.
Vision and mission
Our vision:
Our goal is to eliminate the impact of domestic abuse, across London
Our mission:
To provide counselling, education and support to people affected by domestic violence and abuse
Our core activities:
We do this through:
. Providing counselling for those affected
. Raising awareness of what domestic abuse is and where to seek help
. Offering education and support to vulnerable groups and wider communities
History / Our story
The Cassandra Centre (formerly known as Cassandra Learning Centre) was set up in 2007 after the tragic murder of Cassandra McDermott by her ex-boyfriend. Cassandra was 19 years old.
Cassandra McDermott made legal history in 2009 as being the first case to be trialled after the 2005 change in the law of double jeopardy. This 800 year old legal principle held that anyone acquitted by a jury could not be retried even if new evidence was uncovered.
In 2002, a jury acquitted Cassandra’s murderer of her killing. Seven years later the same man tried to kill another young woman, who survived to name him. Thanks to the change in the law, which now allowed a retrial where new and compelling evidence existed, his acquittal was quashed by the Court of Appeal. At his retrial he was convicted of Cassandra’s murder and jailed for his attacks on both women.
From this tragedy, the Cassandra Centre was born.
Our people: Charity trustees and staff
Rebecca Myers
Treasurer
Recently joining the charity’s board, Rebecca has lived locally for the past 5 years and was keen to get involved with the local community. Rebecca has worked in the finance industry for 12 years and in her free time enjoys cycling and hiking.
Katherine Oliver
Trustee Secretary
Having lived in South London for over 10 years, Katherine was drawn to the systemic approach the charity takes. Katherine works as a researcher and facilitator ensuring user needs are at the heart of public and charitable services. She spends her spare time walking, cooking and dancing.
Sophia McDermott
Trustee
Melanie Newman
Trustee
Jessica Flynn
Trustee
Andrea McDermott
Trustee