At Panahghar, we understand how difficult it may be if you are a Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority person experiencing domestic abuse, sexual abuse or gendered abuse.
You might feel a lot of different emotions from being afraid, to feeling lonely and not knowing what to do. You might feel too ashamed or scared to talk to anyone about what you are going through or worried about how people including the police or social services might respond with cultural or racial bias.
We know that women from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic communities can face additional barriers to getting the help that they need. Know that you are not alone and you are not to blame. We are here for you and can help.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help and it is an emergency, please call 999.
If you cannot speak, wait to be connected, then press 55 and the police will attend.
Panahghar provides specialist safe refuge and support to Black and Minority Ethnic victims and survivors and their children affected by domestic, sexual and gendered abuse.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be being abused, there are some signs that you can look out for.
Also, know that what you do next isn’t the same for everyone. Our team can support you with whatever you decide to do, whether that is leaving your partner or wanting to leave but you are not ready to yet.
Our wide range of multi-lingual support, advice and safe refuge can meet your personal needs in this difficult time. Our support is wide ranging and can include but is not limited to safe refuge, safety planning, advocacy, immigration, medical services, education, parenting, children’s support and local social and cultural facilities.
"I don't know English. I know Urdu. The biggest support that I have received is in the language as that was really important. I needed people to listen to me and hear what I had to say in order to be safe for me and my son. I can share my feelings with my support worker." Domestic Abuse Victim
Our support doesn't end when a survivor leaves an abusive partner, refuge to resettle in the community or continue to live in the community. Our staff carry on offering practical advice, counselling and outreach support in order to help the person to come to terms with the change in their life. The team can help with housing, benefit and legal issues, as well as hands-on support such as decorating.
If you are unsure of the help you need or just want to talk, please call our free multi lingual helpline for a confidential chat on 0800 055 6519.
Key resources to help you related to domestic abuse: In an emergency, you should call the police on 999 Panahghar Head Office 024 7622 8952 Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 Read more
Specialist Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors (IDVA) service and advocacy support to domestic abuse victims from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee in their own communities. Read more
Forced marriage is illegal in the UK. If you or someone you know is at risk of forced marriage or ‘honour’ based abuse please contact the West Midlands Forced Marriage and ‘Honour’ Based Abuse Helpline on 0800 953 9777. We also offer outreach support. Read more
This helpline service is for victim and family advice for all members of the community. The service can provide information and community-based support and also includes a children and young people’s provision. This helpline is run in partnership with Panahghar and Coventry Haven. Call the "Safe to Talk" Helpline on 0800 111 4998. Read more
Panahghar provides free dedicated BAME multi lingual support, advice and advocacy and access to safe refuge for victims and their families of domestic abuse, sexual abuse or gendered abuse in Coventry and Leicester. Read more
Support in the community is vital for abuse victims who may not wish to leave their abusive relationship or want to leave but are not ready to yet. Panahghar’s outreach services across Coventry enables us to put safety measures and support in place for those who are still at home for the victim and their children. Read more
At Panahghar, we offer group sessions to our service users that range from educational sessions to build on their understanding of what domestic, sexual and gendered abuse is to creative classes and relaxed coffee mornings. Read more
Panahghar provides safe emergency supported refuge in Coventry and Leicester for BME survivors of domestic, sexual and gendered abuse. The refuges offer not only accommodation but also emotional support, legal advice and practical help. Read more