Suitable temporary accommodation, support services, and permanent accommodation are key in assisting BME women affected by violence was the message Giri Poluthbu shared with a captivated audience. She gave an overview of the range of support services offered by Shakti Women’s Aid for BME women experiencing or fleeing domestic abuse from partners, ex-partners, and family members.

Shakti Women’s Aid was established in 1986, and recently celebrated its 21st Anniversary. Giri told delegates that there is often a stigma attached to domestic abuse, although things have improved over the years. Particular problems BME women faced in accessing housing were raised such as laws and rights relating to asylum and immigration eg ‘no recourse to public funds’. Giri argued that there was often a case to argue for women, but that this added further to women’s stress.

Giri explained that empowering women to make decisions and stand up for themselves is also very rewarding. In 2004 Shakti opened a new purpose built refuge, and expanded from 8 to 15 staff members and this number is due to increase again soon to 21. One of their many strengths is that amongst them, the staff at Shakti speak 21 languages, although more are needed with the rise in European women who require their help.

Shakti are currently supporting 104 women and their children in determining their own future. They provide outreach work and aim to empower and inform in order to rebuild their confidence and delegates also heard from a former Shakti resident, who gave a harrowing account of her experiences at the hands of an abusive family.

Sherry Singh showed enormous strength in describing a catalogue of physical, mental and emotional abuse which took place over a number of years and which ultimately affected both her health and that of her baby. She ended by explaining that taking that initial step can be the most difficult part for women, but that making contact with Shakti was a real turning point for her and the support and assistance she has received has enabled her to move forward in many different ways in her life.