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The crisis facing the BAMER refuge sector

The crisis facing the BAMER refuge sector

256 signatures 244 to reach 500
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Started by Anonymous 17 years, 11 months ago
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to urge the Department for Communities and Local Government to clarify it\'s position on \'community cohesion\' and Supporting People (now within Local Area Agreements) which is leading to the funding of generic violence against women services and the loss of targeted culturally specific support services that provide crucial pathways of support to vulnerable women from BAMER communities experiencing violence. BAMER women and children facing violence are finding themselves without routes to, and places of safety because of a series of contradictory Government policies - which ultimately expose BAMER women and children to further violence and abuse. The situation has reached a crisis point - there are now only 50% of specialist independent BAMER women\'s led organisations across the UK that existed 5 years ago. Policies such as Community Cohesion and Supporting People are being used to cut specialist services for BAMER women despite evidence that supports the need for culturally specific services and the inability of mainstream services to offer the level of support needed. Independent BAMER womens\' groups are crucial in helping women to access appropriate support, exit violence as well as having a significant impact on their health, well-being and life opportunities.

Updates

Reached 250 supporters

February 19, 2009

February 17, 2009

The number of people acknowledging this crisis grows each day, yet we remain far from the threshold needed to command the attention of the Prime Minister. I invite each of you to direct two people to this page so our collective concern becomes too substantial for officials to ignore.

January 27, 2009

Reaching this milestone confirms that the fragility of these specialist services is not a concern held by a few but a reality recognized by many across the country. It is heartening to see such a clear acknowledgment that culturally specific support remains a vital lifeline for women who would otherwise be left without a path to safety.

Reached 100 supporters

September 12, 2008

September 11, 2008

The steady growth of this petition shows that many of you recognize the vital importance of protecting specialist support for vulnerable women. We are nearing a significant milestone that will demonstrate the strength of our collective resolve to those in government. Please help sustain this momentum so we can ensure our message is impossible for policymakers to ignore.

6 Comments

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Elena Stone
17 years ago Featured

Ridiculous to think mainstream services can just replace these vital groups. They have no idea what these women are going through.

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David Bauer
17 years ago Featured

How can you cut half the services and expect people to be safe. Disgraceful.

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Mark Chen
17 years ago Featured

The government needs to stop ignoring the reality of the situation. People are at risk.

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Fatima Cox
17 years ago Featured

My sister needed help like this years ago. Without the specialist groups she wouldnt be here. DONT CUT THIS FUNDING.

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Sarah McBride
17 years ago Featured

These women need support from people who actually understand their background. Generic services just dont cut it.

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James Day
17 years ago Featured

Save these refuges. We cant let them disappear.

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