More about Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid

In this section:

• Who are Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid
• What can be the difficulties faced by Asian, black & ethnic minority women?
• Some ideas for emergencies
• Find out more information

Who are Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid is a voluntary organisation primarily for Asian, black and ethnic minority women who are escaping domestic violence.

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid aim to provide support and practical help to Asian, black and ethnic minority women who have suffered mental and physical harassment and abuse either from their partner, ex-partner or within the extended family system.

What can be the difficulties faced by Asian, black & ethnic minority women?

Asian, black and ethnic minority women who come to Scottish Women's Aid refuges often encounter difficulties due to the language barrier as well as cultural differences. As a result many women returned to a violent home situation rather than live in a Scottish Women's Aid refuge.

Scottish Women's Aid felt the need for a separate refuge and since 1982 Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid have been providing temporary refuge to women from the ethnic community. We have bilingual workers.

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid encourage and empower women to determine their own future and subsequently to lead an independent life through the provision of temporary supported accommodation and assistance from our Housing Support Workers.

Some ideas for emergencies

• Think about how you might escape if you need to. Tell your plans to people you can trust.
• Try to put some money aside for taxis, bus fares, phone calls.
• Try to have your Child Benefit Book, your rent book, marriage certificate, birth certificate and passport handy to take with you. Don’t worry if you can’t – these can all be replaced if need be.
• In case you have to leave quickly, try to keep some clothes for you and the children at a friend’s house, and perhaps a small toy for the children. If you have photos you want to keep, try to keep them safe.
• Make sure you have a key to your home.
• Keep a note of phone numbers – e.g. your local Women’s Aid or the Social Work Department. Make sure you keep these in a safe place where he will not find them, but you can.

Find out more information

For further information about Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid, visit our website on www.hematgryffe.co.uk

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