HOW WE WORK
HOW WE WORK
ASIAN WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTRE
works to prevent domestic abuse by helping women and children receive practical and emotional support to help them rebuild their lives. GMSP supports the Asian Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC) to train public service providers such as local councils, teachers, GPs and the police to ensure they understand the cultural drivers and sensitivities around issues of violence in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community.
290
women improved their self-esteem and confidence and developed practical skills
women and children experiencing domestic violence supported every year
3,000
CHALLENGE
Most women leaving violent relationships have to think about money, housing and childcare, but for women from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, these issues are tied up in a tangle of cultural and social factors that make leaving even more difficult. Community and extended family networks are strong among BAME groups. Leaving the marital home can leave women ostracised from the community and denied the only support system they ever knew.
Women from BAME backgrounds are significantly under-represented in public services and there is little awareness around their specific cultural circumstances or concerns. When BAME women reach out to authorities or social services, not only do they fear the reaction of their communities, they fear not being understood or even subjected to racism from the people meant
to protect them.
ACTION
AWRC support services are delivered in person or on the phone and include on the spot appointments for women in crisis and emergency situations. Services are free, confidential and offered in Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.
AWRC runs a support group for women needing to share their experiences within a safe environment. The group helps women develop their self-confidence and provides an opportunity to meet other women in similar situations. The organisation also helps women understand their rights and advises them on welfare benefits and housing options available to them.
In addition, AWRC hosts weekly networking sessions and workshops on a variety of topics including health, careers and employment advice, creative arts projects, yoga and leisure activities.