Domestic Violence Project
Millions of women throughout the world live in conditions of abject deprivation, and attacks against, their fundamental human rights for no other reason than that they are women.
Women regardless of their geographical position continue to suffer, experience and live discrimination in different forms and levels. It is interesting to note that despite the laws we have in the UK supporting and protecting women; some of our clients continue to suffer for a variety of reasons.
Our duty as activists and advocates on behalf of women suffering violence is indeed to afford them the ability to make choices in their lives and lead safer, healthier and happier lives. But how can we do this when we as a community group are constantly experiencing lack of resources and support from those ultimately responsible to protect, help and provide for these women?...our funders?
Recent changes in the way both the monitoring and funding of this project have made it all the more difficult to see more clients, attend the various meetings and keep up with the administrative tasks required to keep the funding going. At times one has to choose between finishing the administrative work or dealing with a distort, battered wife who not only has young children but possibly no recourse to public funds making the task difficult, time consuming yet very rewarding as without a centre as ours where would such women go?.
…And so one must keep matters in perspective and go back to the basic ethos on why we are here? The answer is because we care a great deal and have a moral duty. A duty not only to deal with these women on a one to one basis but also to act as policy shapers, attend meeting, give talks and expose the continuous violation these women are subjected to . We will continue to protect our women, assist and support them in everyway we can, making sure their basic human rights and dignity are upheld regardless of all else.
Domestic violence against our clients of Arabic speaking backgrounds remains hidden, unbetold and should be exposed. Our women are tangled in a web of guilt trips, traditional and religious blackmail and lack of support. To give them the encouragement and information to enable them live a life free of violence and fear; a life full of hope and aspirations allowing them to gain empowerment and self determination. To do this we believe that the right mechanism must be put in place and allow us to work in an environment where our only worry is to reach those who cannot come and knock at our doors yet are suffering in silence.
last year we noticed a marked increase in clients number calling for assistance, especially amongst those who have no recourse to public funds. The mammoth task of finding a safe home and getting financial assistance is almost impossible not to mention the legal practitioner who can take on the case as most solicitors are now doing private work only.
The call therefore is an urgent one that if indeed as we know it to be the home office policy is to allow ILR for women with limited leave to remain but have proven record of Domestic violence that they are also allowed to have recourse to public funds, the moment the Police are aware of their case, as we fear for their well being and ultimate safety and survival. Form a violent husband, we have seen clients in this category move to a more violent, abusive and ruthless keeper.
We sincerely hope that those in authority to fund such project do so with an open mind.
It is worth bearing in mind that those who may need our services for their clients can look us up in the home Office Golden Book- A guide to refugees and Domestic Violence Services. For those who are in the know, such entry in the said book is not easily done but indeed the credibility of such organisation had to be proven first.
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Millions of women throughout the world live in conditions of abject deprivation, and attacks against, their fundamental human rights for no other reason than that they are women.
Women regardless of their geographical position continue to suffer, experience and live discrimination in different forms and levels. It is interesting to note that despite the laws we have in the UK supporting and protecting women; some of our clients continue to suffer for a variety of reasons.
Our duty as activists and advocates on behalf of women suffering violence is indeed to afford them the ability to make choices in their lives and lead safer, healthier and happier lives. But how can we do this when we as a community group are constantly experiencing lack of resources and support from those ultimately responsible to protect, help and provide for these women?...our funders?
Recent changes in the way both the monitoring and funding of this project have made it all the more difficult to see more clients, attend the various meetings and keep up with the administrative tasks required to keep the funding going. At times one has to choose between finishing the administrative work or dealing with a distort, battered wife who not only has young children but possibly no recourse to public funds making the task difficult, time consuming yet very rewarding as without a centre as ours where would such women go?.
…And so one must keep matters in perspective and go back to the basic ethos on why we are here? The answer is because we care a great deal and have a moral duty. A duty not only to deal with these women on a one to one basis but also to act as policy shapers, attend meeting, give talks and expose the continuous violation these women are subjected to . We will continue to protect our women, assist and support them in everyway we can, making sure their basic human rights and dignity are upheld regardless of all else.
Domestic violence against our clients of Arabic speaking backgrounds remains hidden, unbetold and should be exposed. Our women are tangled in a web of guilt trips, traditional and religious blackmail and lack of support. To give them the encouragement and information to enable them live a life free of violence and fear; a life full of hope and aspirations allowing them to gain empowerment and self determination. To do this we believe that the right mechanism must be put in place and allow us to work in an environment where our only worry is to reach those who cannot come and knock at our doors yet are suffering in silence.
last year we noticed a marked increase in clients number calling for assistance, especially amongst those who have no recourse to public funds. The mammoth task of finding a safe home and getting financial assistance is almost impossible not to mention the legal practitioner who can take on the case as most solicitors are now doing private work only.
The call therefore is an urgent one that if indeed as we know it to be the home office policy is to allow ILR for women with limited leave to remain but have proven record of Domestic violence that they are also allowed to have recourse to public funds, the moment the Police are aware of their case, as we fear for their well being and ultimate safety and survival. Form a violent husband, we have seen clients in this category move to a more violent, abusive and ruthless keeper.
We sincerely hope that those in authority to fund such project do so with an open mind.
It is worth bearing in mind that those who may need our services for their clients can look us up in the home Office Golden Book- A guide to refugees and Domestic Violence Services. For those who are in the know, such entry in the said book is not easily done but indeed the credibility of such organisation had to be proven first.
Back to Services
