Diverse Needs Refuge
We know that it is extremely difficult to break free from domestic abuse. On average, someone will try to leave at least 5 times before they are successful. Imagine trying to do this when you don’t speak any English, or if you don’t have the right to basic financial support. This is the case for many women who are trying to leave abusive and controlling relationships. We have staff who are specially trained to support women with these additional “diverse” needs.
We believe that everyone has the right to lead a peaceful, safe life in a healthy relationship. We are passionate about providing support to these clients with additional needs to ensure that they have access to the same support as everyone else. This could mean helping them to find their local community or support with immigration issues.
Our Diverse needs refuge was opened November 2020 to allow us to provide specialist support to these clients. We also have a Diversity Lead who is dedicated to these specialist cases and to help us build relationships with diverse communities.
The history of distrust between BAME communities and the police force makes it more likely that BAME women would seek informal sources of support before turning to the police (Imkaan, 2020)
More information:
Specialist Black and Minoritised Domestic Abuse Organisations:
African Caribbean Heritage Women: https://www.sistahspace.org/
Polish women Opoka
Latin American Women LAWRS
Imkaan has a comprehensive list of 'by and for' organisations here
Forced Marriage and Other Harmful Practices Support:
Forced Marriage Unit – 0207 008 0151
Karma Nirvana – 0800 5999 247
Southall Black Sisters – 0208 571 0800/ Live online chat via website
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Support:
FGM 24hr NSPCC Helpline – 0800 028 3550
Forward – 0208 960 4000 ext. 1
Immigration Support
Voices In Exile: 01273 328 598
Southall Black Sisters No Recourse to Public Funds
Black and Minoritised Communities - www.rise.org.uk