My postgraduate research focused on a question that continues to trouble me: why do recent immigrant women experiencing domestic violence not engage with the legal system? The answers I found have shaped everything we do at Inini.

The Barriers Women Face

Through interviews with women from across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, consistent themes emerged:

  • Fear of authority: For women fleeing oppressive regimes, police are not protectors—they're threats.
  • Language barriers: Complex legal processes are hard enough in your first language. In English, they're impossible.
  • Cultural shame: In many communities, admitting domestic violence brings shame on the whole family.
  • Financial dependence: Without independent income or immigration status, leaving feels impossible.
  • No knowledge of rights: Many women don't know what help is available or that they're entitled to it.

The Health Impact

The physical and mental health consequences are devastating:

  • Chronic pain from untreated injuries
  • Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
  • Reproductive health problems
  • Substance use as coping
  • Suicidal thoughts

What Works: A Woman-Centred Approach

Our research and practice have shown what actually helps:

1. Community-Based Support

Women need safe spaces within their communities, not intimidating institutions. Our women's drop-in provides:

  • Female-only space
  • Childcare during sessions
  • Interpreters who understand cultural context
  • Peer support from women with similar experiences

2. Practical Advocacy

We accompany women to appointments, helping them navigate:

  • GP registrations and health appointments
  • Legal aid applications
  • Housing and benefits
  • Police statements (when they choose to make them)

3. Culturally Sensitive Counselling

Our therapists understand that healing looks different across cultures. We offer:

  • Therapists who share or understand cultural backgrounds
  • Flexible approaches that incorporate traditional healing practices
  • Trauma-informed care that never re-traumatises

A Call to Services

To health professionals, social workers, and legal advisors: please understand that when a woman from a minority community doesn't engage, it's not because she doesn't need help. It's because the help isn't designed for her. We need to change that.

For Women Reading This

If you're experiencing violence, you deserve support. You deserve to be safe. You deserve to be heard. Come to our women's drop-in. Bring a friend if it helps. You won't be judged. You won't be forced to do anything. You'll just find women who understand.