24hr helpline - 0114 255 5740

Gendered or racial violence is not uniquely endemic to any particular social, religious or geographical group. It is neither ‘cultural’ nor ‘traditional’, but is a response to current and historic social, political and economic conditions.

Violence against women and young people in Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee communities in the U.K. occurs in a global context of post-colonial migrations, racism and patriarchy. The forms of this violence that take place in the U.K. arise out of the economic and social pressures on marginalised and impoverished black communities in this country.

Ashiana Sheffield has been in existence as an organisation since 1981 and currently provides refuge accommodation and floating/outreach support services to Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) women, children and young people who are survivors of partner and family abuse, including forced marriages and honour-based violence, or who have been trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and/or domestic servitude.

We offer confidential and culturally specific advice, support and information to our clients.

The strategic management and overall responsibility of the organisation lies with the Board of Directors, which consists of BAMER women from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

Core Purpose

To help prevent murder and serious harm as a result of domestic abuse and forced marriage and honour based violence to black, Asian, minority ethnic and refugee women, children and young people.

Principally by:

• providing safe culturally appropriate emergency accommodation
• support for women, children and young people to move on to independent accommodation
• support for women, children and young people to continue to live in their own homes/tenancies

Values

Trustees are the guardians of the values of an organisation.  At Ashiana, trustees identified the following as being of very high value to the organisation:

• Supporting women, children and young people to move from violent situations to a safer, hopefully happier life
• Outreach support to the “hard-to-reach” women, children and young people who are experiencing domestic violence
• Seeing women and young people become confident, assertive, independent and empowering them to informed choices and decisions about their future.
• Commitment of staff and Committee, striving for a shared cause
• Improving quality of life and access to opportunities
• Being a gateway
• Achieving small changes which are a big thing in the lives of the women, children and young people
• Being a local and national voice to enable people to recognise the special needs for support in these communities
• To challenge racist and sexist practices in organisations that offer direct provision to these women, children and young people.

Although we are based in Sheffield we provide support for BAMER women and children in England, Wales and Scotland.  If you require and advice, or support please contact us through our helpline or by email.