In just five years, two specialist refuges in London have helped nearly 250 Asian women and children escape domestic violence and rebuild their lives.
ASRA Greater London Housing Association runs two refuges in Brent and Greenwich which offer a safe and supportive environment to help victims move on to an independent life.
And to raise awareness and share best practice, ASRA’s first domestic violence forum was recently attended by health care professionals, social workers, care staff and a number of the women it has helped over the years.
Held at the organisation’s head office in Southwark, the forum was led by ASRA’s Head of Care, Manna Santokhee.
He said: “The forum provided a plethora of new ideas and an understanding of the current issues faced by victims to ensure support organisations continue to provide fit-for-purpose solutions.
“Cases of domestic violence for Asian women often involve a number of complex and inter-related cultural issues, which is why specialist and tailored support, like that provided by ASRA, is proving essential.
“Abuse is often linked to forced marriages, ‘honour’ crimes, in-laws as well as husbands, and can be compounded by pressure from the family and community. Asian women can feel more isolated due to language barriers, financial dependence, and lack of access to public funds and housing.”
ASRA’s refuges, staffed by trained Asian women, provide for different religious, cultural, dietary and language needs, and offer expert advice on housing, legal and welfare rights, immigration and counselling.
One woman helped by ASRA came to London from Pakistan after an arranged marriage when she was 18.
She explained: “My husband started abusing me while I was pregnant. He beat me, stole my jewellery to fund his drug habit, and attacked me with a knife. If I told anyone, he would threaten to take my daughter away and send me back to Pakistan.
“I was in a strange country with no-one to talk to and did not know who could help. Luckily, I was referred to ASRA by social services and never went back.
“At the refuge I have learnt to stand on my own two feet. My English has improved, I have got qualifications and I get involved in local community groups. This has given me confidence again and I feel positive about providing a good future for myself and my daughter at last.”
Added Manna Santokhee: “One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute in the UK, and one in four women will be a victim at some point in their lives. Abusers come from all walks of life - any ethnic group, religion, class or neighbourhood.”
ASRA’s refuge in Brent was the first in England to only accept Asian women when it was set up in 1984.