African & African Caribbean refuges

Our refuges for African and African Caribbean women are all based in South London. Nine out of ten women in these houses have said they preferred living in a specialist refuge.

Understanding without prejudice

Staff in our refuges for African and African Caribbean women come from the same communities as the residents and share their culture. This means they understand the women’s fears, the pressures created by community or family expectations and the intervention of church and religion.

Women in the refuges speak of their relief at knowing they will not judged by their behaviour, immigration status, religion or traditional practices and dress. They know they will not encounter prejudice or racism.

Culturally specific service provision

These are some of the ways the refuges reflect the specific needs of African and African Caribbean women:

• Separate pots, cutlery and utensils for non-pork eating women.
• Some houses have an extra room which allows space for women to pray.
• Language support.
• Immigration and asylum seeker support.
• Staff accompany women to appointments, to support and empower them and challenge prejudices and racism.
• Annual cultural day to celebrate the achievement of black women.

How do I find a space in a specialist refuge?

The Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline will help you find a space in a specialist refuge. The police, social services and other agencies can also put you in touch with us.