Changes to the way domestic violence services are being funded are having a detrimental effect on specialist services for Black, Asian, minority ethnic and refugee (BAMER) women and children.
In response to budget cutbacks, local authorities are looking to cut the cost of delivering services. In some areas, this means contracting fewer service providers to run generic services for more people.
There is a clear trend of specialist services for BAMER women and children being given no choice but to merge with generic organisations or face closure. This ignores the fact that BAMER women are more likely to access these organisations than mainstream services. Specialist services have gained the trust of women in the community over a long period of time, and are able to help them leave situations of violence and abuse, often long before women seek any remedies through the Criminal Justice System.
BAMER women and children are losing a vital source of support and protection. Non-specialist agencies are being placed under considerable pressure, with the impossible task of meeting the needs of a large number of diverse groups without the relevant expertise.
Support Imkaan’s campaign to preserve specialist BAMER services, by contacting your MP. Imkaan have produced a model letter for you to use:
Imkaan model letter (word document)
(Imkaan Model Letter to MPs re BMER services funding)
Southall Black Sisters
For almost 30 years, Southall Black Sisters has provided much-needed to BAMER women. Based in Ealing, London, they have also campaigned tirelessly to improve legislation and Government policy to improve the protection and support available to BAMER women and children.
Ealing Council have decided to withdraw Southall Black Sister’s funding, in preference of a generic support service for all survivors of domestic violence. For more information about Ealing Council’s decision, please read this letter from Southall Black Sisters.
SBS Campaign Cover Letter 2008 (word document)
Please join the campaign to stop Southall Black Sister’s closure. Send this letter to John Stacey, Leader of Ealing Council:
SBS model letter 2008 (word document)
