Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a moment of reflection and action in the fight for gender equality. In 2025, the theme ‘Accelerate Action’ calls for urgent and decisive steps to dismantle systemic barriers that continue to disadvantage women across the globe. With gender parity projected to be over 130 years away, we cannot afford to move at a slow pace.
One of the most pressing issues in the fight for gender equality is the prevalence of domestic abuse and violence (DAV) against women, particularly among ethnically diverse communities. These women and children often face additional barriers, including systemic discrimination, cultural stigma, language barriers, and a lack of culturally competent support services. This document highlights key statistics, identifies barriers, and offers solutions to better support ethnically diverse survivors of DAV.
Understanding the Urgency: Statistics on Ethnically Diverse Women and Children Facing DAV in the UK
- Higher Risk: Research shows that Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse but are less likely to access support services.
- Underreporting: 20% of women from ethnically diverse backgrounds do not report domestic abuse due to fears of racism, discrimination, or immigration status concerns.
- Children at Risk: Ethnically diverse children living in abusive households often face compounded disadvantages, including racial discrimination in social services and education.
- Barriers to Help: A 2021 study found that only 5% of refuge spaces in the UK are dedicated to women from ethnically diverse backgrounds, despite the increased risk they face.
The Need for Cultural Awareness and Competence in Support Services
Support services often fail to adequately support ethnically diverse survivors due to:
- Lack of Representation: A significant lack of diversity in frontline services means that many survivors do not feel understood or supported.
- Cultural Barriers: Some survivors may fear community ostracisation or may have cultural expectations that make it harder to leave abusive relationships.
- Immigration and Language Barriers: Women with insecure immigration status may fear deportation or losing custody of their children. Many services also lack multilingual support.
- Institutional Bias: Racism and stereotyping within social services, policing, and the justice system can prevent ethnically diverse survivors from receiving equal protection.
Good Practice Steps for Supporting Ethnically Diverse People Experiencing DAV
- Ensure Culturally Competent Training for Professionals – Train police, social workers, and healthcare professionals to understand cultural nuances in domestic abuse cases.
- Increase Accessibility of Support Services – Provide interpreters, translated materials, and outreach workers from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
- Strengthen Links with Community Organisations – Partner with grassroots organisations that survivors trust, such as Southall Black Sisters.
- Offer Specialist Safe Spaces – Create refuge spaces specifically designed for ethnically diverse survivors, recognising unique cultural and religious needs.
- Challenge Institutional Racism in Support Systems – Advocate for policy changes to improve the response to ethnically diverse survivors.
Steps for Family, Friends, and Employers to Identify and Support Victims
Signs to Look For:
- Frequent unexplained injuries or signs of distress.
- Withdrawal from social circles, family, or work.
- Changes in behaviour, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
- Controlling behaviours from a partner, such as limiting communication with others.
- Fearfulness when discussing relationships or home life.
How to Offer Support:
- Listen Without Judgment: Avoid victim-blaming and provide reassurance.
- Signpost to Services: Offer information about specialist domestic abuse organisations.
- Encourage Safe Disclosure: Provide private spaces to discuss concerns.
- Ensure Workplace Policies Support Survivors: Employers should offer flexible working and emergency support if needed.
What Men Can Do to Support Women and Children in These Circumstances
- Challenge Harmful Attitudes: Call out misogyny and normalised abusive behaviours.
- Educate Themselves and Others: Learn about the additional barriers faced by ethnically diverse survivors.
- Be a Trusted Ally: Support women by listening, believing them, and helping them access professional support.
- Encourage Change in Male-Dominated Spaces: Promote conversations about healthy relationships and accountability.
- Mentor Young Boys and Men: Help break the cycle of gender-based violence by modelling respectful behaviour.
Support Services & Organisations
General Domestic Abuse Support
- Refuge – 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (www.refuge.org.uk)
- Women’s Aid – Support and guidance for survivors: (www.womensaid.org.uk)
- Kooth – Free mental health support for young people: (www.kooth.com)
- Quell – Online counselling for mental health and trauma recovery: (www.quell.io)
Ethnically Diverse Specialist Services
- Southall Black Sisters – Support for Black and Asian women experiencing DAV: (www.southallblacksisters.org.uk)
- Imkaan – A Black feminist organisation supporting Black women affected by abuse: (www.imkaan.org.uk)
- Latin American Women’s Rights Service – Support for Latin American women in the UK: (www.lawrs.org.uk)
- Sharan Project – Helping South Asian women escaping forced marriages and abuse: (www.sharan.org.uk)
- Muslim Women’s Network UK – Support services for Muslim women affected by abuse: (www.mwnuk.co.uk)
Final Thoughts: Step Forward in Solidarity
The theme of Accelerate Action is a rallying cry for every sector of society to take meaningful, urgent steps towards gender equality. By ensuring that ethnically diverse women and children experiencing domestic abuse receive the support they need, we are not only protecting individual lives but also advancing a future where no woman is left to suffer in silence.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s commit to doing more. Let’s accelerate our efforts, challenge harmful norms, and work together to create lasting change.
How You Can Take Action Today:
- Share this document and spread awareness about the additional barriers ethnically diverse survivors face.
- Encourage your workplace or educational institution to review its policies and support mechanisms.
- Donate to or volunteer with domestic abuse charities that support ethnically diverse communities.
- Contact your local representatives to advocate for stronger protections for women experiencing abuse.
Together, we can #AccelerateAction and build a future where gender equality is achieved within our lifetime, not in five generations.