Supporting women
Domestic abuse does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or socioeconomic status. While domestic abuse impacts the lives of all women of all backgrounds, not all victims of abuse are treated equally in society. Social biases influence how society perceives survivors and these perceptions can create barriers for women to access the right support.
There are also cultural sensitivities to consider as well as the lived experience of women from Asian, Black and Minority Ethnic communities staying in the UK. Such experiences include language barriers, distrust in support services, immigration status and legal support – we are working to combat these barriers and more to ensure that all women are supported and safe from domestic abuse, honour-based abuse, forced marriage and other types of domestic abuse.
At Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid we take an intersectional feminist approach to supporting women, children and young people with a specialised team who understand cultural sensitivities.
You are not alone. We are here for you.
Finding the right support:
Every experience is unique but there are common behaviours and factors that are linked to different types of domestic abuse. Our breakdown of the different types of abuse may help you recognise what you could be experiencing and will help point you to the right support.
Remember if you are in immediate danger please call 999.
- What is domestic abuse?
- What is honour-based abuse?
- What is forced marriage?
Find out more on the different types of abuse.
Immigration and No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF):
If you are concerned about your immigration status or have been threatened by a partner/husband and/or family member(s) on your rights to live in Scotland, remember that there is support available.
- My immigration status
- No Recouse to Public Funds (NRPFs)
Watch our annimation with Police Scotland on supporting women who are experiencing domestic abuse and are concerned about their immigration status.
Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid Services
Once the team at Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid have an understanding on the support you need we can help with logistical and emotional support as well as offering one or more of the services below. We will also signpost you to right external agencies in Glasgow such as divorce, housing, immigration, financial and mental health services for additional support.
Refuge
The refuge is safe temporary accommodation where women are provided with emotional and culturally sensitive support to enable them to make decisions about their future. While staying in refuge women are supported by experienced bilingual staff in accordance with their individual needs.
Follow On
When moving from the refuge to permanent accommodation follow on support is provided to reduce isolation and help women settle into their new homes and assimilate safely within the local area.
Crisis / Outreach
This service is available to women living in the wider community experiencing domestic abuse, forced marriage, or so called ‘honour based’ abuse requiring immediate crisis support. Women who cannot attend at the drop-in centre can be met at a place of safety.
Advocacy
We represent vulnerable women at a local and national level and assist them with a wide range of issues including safety planning and risk assessments; homelessness, legal matters, immigration matters and no recourse to public funds, children’s hearing system. We can accompany women to appointments and provide bilingual support. We advocate on their behalf to ensure that their voice is heard. (This is not an exhaustive list).
