Our refuge services provide a safe haven for Asian women and children who are at risk of domestic violence.
Although domestic violence affects one in four women at some stage in their lives, refuges are relatively scarce – and those offering specific support for Asian women even rarer.
We run two refuges and have also developed a refuge for a specialist managing agent. Together, we help women and children rebuild their lives, thanks to the combination of safe, accessible accommodation, practical assistance, and a range of support services.
Our refuge in Brent was the first in the country to accept women exclusively from the Indian sub-continent. Asian women’s cases often involve a number of complex and inter-related issues, including:
- Abuse by the victim’s own family (often linked to a forced marriage)
- ‘Honour’ crimes (following marriage outside the community)
- Abuse by husband and in-laws (who Asian couples often live with/close to)
- Self-harm (resulting from family/community pressure)
- Isolation (language barriers, financial dependence, restricted mobility)
- Uncertainty about benefits entitlement
- Lack of access to public funds/housing for recent immigrants
We offer a range of support solutions which are distinctive in four important ways:
- Services for Asian women by Asian women
- Empathy for cultural and religious requirements
- Provision for multi-faith and multi-cultural practice
- Range of Asian languages spoken
Staff are equipped to provide expert advice and advocacy on personal safety, housing, legal and welfare rights, child protection and health, while counselling helps newcomers deal with their personal feelings.
Residents also receive practical help with interpreting, form filling, agency liaison and court attendance.
Festival and religious days are celebrated, and residents made aware of local facilities including places of worship, should they wish to attend.
Respect for individual beliefs and practices, is also evident in day-to-day living. For example, cooking facilities are provided separately in line with Halal, vegetarian or other requirements.
We not only help residents with their educational and training qualifications, and encourage take up of every available job opportunity.
For children, therapeutic support, learning opportunities, activity sessions, excursions and play schemes during holidays help restore stability and confidence to young lives. This service relies on constant fundraising, and is currently temporarily funded by Children In Need, and (in Greenwich) by the Council’s Voluntary Sector Grant.
If you are in need of these services contact us on 0116 257 6716.
You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247.