Domestic abuse affects one in three women. But for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) survivors, the experience can come with added challenges. At Juno, we understand how race, culture, religion, and immigration status can shape someone’s experience of abuse – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Domestic Abuse Is Never Your Fault
Domestic abuse is about power and control. It can include physical violence, emotional abuse, controlling behaviour, financial abuse, and sexual violence. Anyone can experience it – regardless of culture, faith, or family background.
But survivors from BAME communities can often feel silenced by fear, shame, or cultural pressure. You might feel that speaking out brings dishonour to your family, or that you won’t be believed. You may worry that no one will understand your background or the expectations placed on you. You may worry about how it will affect your children. At Juno, we want you to know: your safety and wellbeing matter. Abuse is never your fault – and you deserve support.
Why Abuse Can Be Hidden in BAME Communities
Abuse is often hidden in BAME communities for a range of reasons. This can include cultural or religious barriers. Some survivors are afraid of being judged by services that may not understand their culture or religion. Others may be afraid of being judged by their own community. And there are other complications including language barriers, immigration worries, or a lack of trust in the system.
You may have been told that abuse is a “private family matter” or that you must stay quiet for the sake of honour or reputation. You might be isolated from friends and family, or feel trapped by a partner who controls your documents, your money, or your movements.
At Juno, we recognise how these pressures add another layer to your experience – and we offer support that respects your identity, values, and choices.
We Understand the Challenges
We know how important it is to feel seen and heard. That’s why we listen without making assumptions, and why we tailor our support to suit your specific needs. Whether you wear a hijab, speak English as a second language, or are worried about your immigration status – you will be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.
Our friendly staff
All our staff are female and are friendly, supportive, and trained in understanding how racism, discrimination, and marginalisation can impact your journey to safety.
Juno’s team includes staff from diverse backgrounds, including people who are survivors themselves. We work hard to provide a service that is culturally sensitive, inclusive, and non-judgemental.
Our BAME Specialist Worker
We have a specialist BAME worker who is part of our Housing Team, who can help you with choices around housing and refuges and who has expert knowledge of this area. Whether you are a single woman, pregnant or have children, our BAME specialist will be able to advise you of your options.
No-one at Juno will tell you what to do – but we will support you to make informed choices that are right for you.
Our specialist BAME Refuge
Zola is our specialist BAME refuge with experienced staff who can support women’s language and cultural needs. Zola consists of nine self-contained flats with support workers who can speak a range of languages.
You can read more here: https://junowomensaid.org.uk/zola/
How We Can Help
At Juno, we offer a wide range of services to help you feel safer, more in control, and better supported.
We can provide:
- Confidential advice in a language you understand
- Support with housing, benefits, and legal issues
- Emergency accommodation, including culturally appropriate safe spaces
- Emotional support from people who understand your experiences
We also work closely with community partners and faith leaders to ensure our support fits your needs and respects your culture.
No matter how complicated things may feel, you are not alone – and you are not to blame. You deserve to live a life free from fear and control.
Final Thoughts
If you are a BAME survivor of domestic abuse, please know that your experiences are valid. You are not invisible, and you do not have to suffer in silence. At Juno, we understand how culture, identity, and experience shape your story – and we are here to support you with kindness, understanding, and respect.
A quote that may inspire you, from Nikki Giovanni, a Black arts icon, poet and activist:
“Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect, and make everyone else deal with you the same way.”
– Nikki Giovanni (1943-2024)
Juno Support
Our helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You’ll speak to a member of our friendly, non-judgemental team. They will listen, believe you, and help you find the support you need. Life can be better and we will be there with you and your children every step towards freedom and happiness.
Calls to our helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills. There is no pressure and everything is confidential.
Helpline: 0808 800 0340
Sometimes our helpline is busy and you might not get through the first time, so please try again. We will always call you back if you leave a message stating it is safe to do so and if you leave us a safe contact number in your message.
If you are hearing impaired, text “Relay/NGT” to 18001 0808 800 0340. This option is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also email us on [email protected] 9 am – 9 pm.
Please note, we may not be able to respond to emails straight away, but will try to reply within 24 hours.
National Help
If you’re further afield, you could contact other charities like Women’s Aid, who have instant messaging and email contact on their website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) also provide confidential support. They can help you make a safety plan, find safe housing, and access legal protections.
The deaf health charity Signhealth also runs a domestic abuse support service, DeafHope, using British Sign Language (BSL).
The Survivor’s Trust (for sexual abuse and assault support) – www.thesurvivorstrust.org