Where is the Sanctuary? Where is the Refuge?
Protecting asylum-seeking and refugee women from sexual violence and abuse.
This White Ribbon Day, the All Wales Black Asian and Ethnic Minority Engagement Programme hosted a forum addressing the issue of protecting asylum-seeking and refugee women in Wales from violence and abuse. The discussion, enriched by expert insights, spotlighted the systemic barriers these women face and offered valuable guidance on best practices for support.
Asylum-seeking and refugee women may endure multiple forms of gender-based violence, including sexual assault, trafficking, domestic abuse, and forced marriage both in their country of origin and during their journeys to safety. Hajer from EYST, highlighted the compounding vulnerabilities faced by these women:
“Evidence shows that these women are at a higher risk of abuse and violence for many and sometimes complex reasons, such as their immigration status, limited access to public services, and cultural context.”
One of the most significant challenges faced by asylum-seeking women is the No Recourse to Public Funds conditions (NRPF). Alice from BAWSO elaborated:
“This condition limits access to housing and financial support, making it extremely difficult for victims of domestic abuse to find safety.”
The consequences of NRPF are devastating, increasing risks of homelessness, exploitation, and modern slavery for women already in vulnerable positions. During the session we learnt that Welsh Government have recently secured a training provider to deliver training on NRPF to local authorities and third-sector organisations. This aims to enhance understanding of NRPF guide frontline workers on how to navigate its complexities.
Housing - The broader housing crisis adds further difficulties. Bridgid Corr, from WSMP explained the complexities involved:
“It often falls to Home Office-allocated housing providers to relocate vulnerable women, but this sometimes means moving them out of their local areas, which creates further disruption for them and their children.”
Hope in Policy- Lily Moghadam, from ASAProject provided insightful information emphasising the potential of existing policies to protect survivors. She highlighted key provisions:
“Accommodation providers don’t need to wait for Home Office approval to move a victim-survivor away from the perpetrator. This should be done immediately and safely.”
Lily also detailed the Home Office’s refuge funding mechanism, which ensures: Refuge placements for asylum-seeking women are funded and additional expenses, such as translation services, are covered.
“It’s crucial that asylum-seeking women know they can claim asylum in their own right and do not have to stay in an abusive situation,” she emphasised.
This forum was a poignant reminder of the systemic hurdles faced by asylum-seeking and refugee women and the collective responsibility to dismantle these barriers. By fostering collaboration among professionals, advocating for policy awareness, and ensuring survivors’ voices are heard, we can create change.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared experiences, and contributed to this essential conversation.
A special thanks to our speakers, Alice Botsyoe-Amedor, BAWSO, Brigid Corr, WSMP, and Lily Moghadam, ASAProject, for their invaluable insights and commitment to this cause.
For more information on our forums and publications head to our webpage: Research & Publications — EYST
Useful links
https://www.asaproject.org/training/elearning
https://www.asaproject.org/resources/library/category/domestic-abuse-and-asylum-support
Bawso | Supporting ethnic minorities affected by violence and exploitation