That gap is what Juliana Rondon and the team behind Respeito set out to address.
Founded in 2016 and based in Lambeth, the charity supports people from Portugal, Brazil, and Portuguese-speaking African countries, providing culturally informed support entirely in Portuguese.
“We noticed the high number of domestic abuse occurrences in the Portuguese-speaking community, and that people were not informed about the British system and where they could get help from.”
Today, Respeito supports survivors rebuilding their lives after abuse, often after years of silence, fear, and isolation. All services are delivered in Portuguese, allowing survivors to access help in their first language. Through holistic one-to-one support, counselling, and community-based prevention work, the organisation helps people navigate the complex process of starting again. In the past year alone, Respeito supported 110 survivors.
“When clients are in a safer and more secure space, this is when we normally receive referrals. We can support with advocacy, interpreting, welfare advice, helping with schools for children, and moving into new accommodation.”
Alongside frontline support, Respeito also delivers preventative work through workshops and community activities, challenging stigma and raising awareness of abuse in ways that feel safe, trusted, and culturally relevant within the community.
As the charity grew, however, it began to face a major practical challenge. Its existing office space was no longer suitable for working with vulnerable survivors, particularly those with disabilities or children. The organisation needed a larger, safer, and more welcoming environment.
“We need an appropriate space. We have disabled clients, clients who come with children. The space we offer is not only about safety, but about offering a comfortable place for them to feel able to share their stories.”
In 2025, Respeito secured the opportunity to move into a new building through a Lambeth Council scheme. While the rent was affordable, the property came with a complex long-term lease, creating risks for a small charity. Recognising the need for specialist legal advice at a pivotal moment in its growth, Respeito contacted LawWorks for support, seeking reassurance and expert guidance before committing to a long-term lease.
“It was such a huge step for us to engage in a long-term contract, being a small charity like we are, so we contacted LawWorks requesting a solicitor to support us for this specific lease negotiation with the council.”
Through LawWorks’ Not-for-Profits Programme, Respeito was matched with a volunteer solicitor who helped review the lease in detail, negotiate amendments, and engage constructively with the council. This ensured the charity fully understood its obligations and could move forward with confidence rather than uncertainty.
“The solicitor helped us with the negotiation, suggesting amendments to the contract, and the council accepted.”
With the lease nearing completion, Respeito is preparing to move into its new premises, creating a safer, more stable, and more dignified base for survivors, and opening the door to new partnerships and expanded services.
“Now we will have all the possibilities to increase our services and accommodate our survivors in a much safer and better way.”
Looking ahead, Respeito hopes to strengthen its legal support offer, deepen partnerships, and continue developing its holistic model of care. With a secure and suitable base, the organisation is better positioned to expand its reach and respond to the evolving needs of the community it serves.
“That was a fantastic support from you. We know how expensive legal advice is, and we were very happy with this support.”
Stories like Respeito’s show how access to expert legal support can be transformative, helping small charities overcome major structural challenges, manage risk, and grow sustainably.
Through its Not-for-Profits Programme, LawWorks connects organisations with volunteer lawyers who provide free advice on leases, governance, contracts, and compliance. With this support, charities like Respeito can focus on what matters most, keeping survivors safe, strengthening their communities, and building long-term resilience for the future.
Donate today to LawWorks and help the next charity secure its future.