Black and minority ethnic group victims

Domestic violence is not commonly spoken about in general and within groups suffering discrimination, the subject may be avoided even more. Victims may face the difficulty of persecution from within their own family and community if they try to get help. They may believe they have too much to lose by leaving e.g. religious or cultural beliefs may forbid divorce or they may fear their family will disown them.

Individuals may not speak English as their first language, and consideration must be given to the range of languages spoken and agencies should not use family members as translators.

Some individuals may fear they will lose their right to stay in the country if they separate from their partner, and may have been threatened with this by the abuser. They may fear the abuser (having links with another country) will take their children abroad without their consent. If this is the case, please seek legal advice.

Useful contacts:

• Rethink Sahayak website (this link opens in a new window) - Asian Counselling Services
  Tel: Tel: 01474 364837
  Email: asiancouselling@rethink.org
• Within Medway there is a specialist refuge and attached services (this link opens in a new window) set up to help meet the needs of BME women and children.