A powerful new short film, Hidden in Plain Sight, is lifting the veil on the horrific domestic abuse faced by Black women across the UK and the silence that too often follows.
Created by Sistah Space, the UK’s first and only specialist domestic abuse charity for women of African and Caribbean heritage, the film is part of a wider campaign marking the organisation’s 10-year anniversary. Alongside the film comes groundbreaking new research that shines a stark light on the compounded injustice Black women face when trying to report abuse and access support.
A Decade of Listening, A Moment for Action
To mark a decade of tireless advocacy, Sistah Space’s 2025 research collates the lived experiences of over 2,200 Black women across England and Wales. The findings are sobering.
- 97% of Black women said they do not feel confident that reporting abuse would lead to fair and supportive treatment from the police or other violence against women and girls (VAWG) agencies.
- 87% reported that statutory agencies were not responsive enough when they disclosed abuse.
- 76% said they did not report their abuse, often due to fears of being judged or stereotyped.
One respondent from Southeast England shared:
“They make it hard for you to get justice.”
Another, from London, added:
“Social services weaponised my blackness, feeding into racist tropes of emotional or aggression.”
This is the reality for far too many.
Intersectionality Matters
This research doesn’t just present data. It tells a story of trauma, erasure, and the resilience of Black women who continue to be unseen by systems meant to protect them.
The campaign’s film, Hidden in Plain Sight, offers a visceral, sensitive portrayal of what it means to be Black, female, and silenced in Britain today. It is a tribute to the strength of survivors and a demand for services that are not just trauma-informed, but culturally competent.
“This project is about more than storytelling,” says Louise Clarke, founder of Four Letters London and director of the film. “It’s about honouring the women it represents and ensuring their experiences are seen with the dignity and nuance they deserve.”
Singer and activist FKA Twigs, a staunch advocate and ambassador for Sistah Space, adds:
“Domestic violence is a really misunderstood subject even more complicated when you’re ethnically diverse. Sistah Space is an amazing organisation. It feels like home to me.”
A Call to Action: Fund Safety, Dignity, and Justice
Sistah Space is urgently seeking to raise £350,000 to continue its work. Of this, £100,000 will directly fund the UK’s first and only refuge designed specifically for Black women survivors of domestic abuse.
Founder Ngozi Fulani says:
“Our services save lives, but we need the funding to expand and reach the women who need us most. This isn’t just about shelter; it’s about justice, dignity, and visibility.”
What Can You Do?
- Watch the film: Hidden in Plain Sight is available here:
- 🔗 Watch the Film
- Donate: Help Sistah Space reach their fundraising goal and open a safe, specialised refuge for Black women.
- 🔗 Support the Campaign
- Share: Amplify this campaign within your own networks. Visibility saves lives.
EDUK stands in solidarity
As an organisation committed to embedding equity and justice in all systems, Equality and Diversity UK urges our members and partners to listen, learn, and act. The data and stories shared by Sistah Space demand not just attention, but action across education, public services, and beyond.
Let’s stand with Black women. Let’s not let their voices remain hidden in plain sight.