Shakti Main Service
Our aim is to enable women to move from dependence to independence; some BME women facing domestic abuse experience considerable isolation and can be completely dependant upon their husbands, partner men and the family.
We aim to help the woman decide and determine her own future creating a safe space where informed choices can be made by her about what is right for her. We aim to promote respect and acceptance for women of all backgrounds.
A woman that contacts us for help will be assigned to one of our key workers who are there to provide emotional and practical support. Key worker will listen to the woman and help her to explore her different options which may vary depending upon her circumstances. Details discussed between the woman and her key worker are kept confidential and no information will be disclosed without the woman’s permission.
We encourage women to recognise and build on their strengths and to make available opportunities which help to build and strengthen self-esteem and belief in oneself. If formal counselling is needed we can link women with suitable agencies.
Key workers also provide practical support such as finding and passing information, and advocacy when dealing with agencies such as Housing, Social Work, Health, Benefits and solicitors. Independent interpreting is arranged when needed.
Children’s Services (Main Service)
Children's workers are there to support children and young people who may be accompanying their mum into the service. Children and young people have their own specific needs and experiences when it comes to domestic abuse: the children’s workers can work with the child or young person on their own plan for dealing with emotional difficulties, moving away from home or into refuge and any other needs, practical or emotional, they may have at home, school or in their community. Apart from practical and emotional support, children workers are also responsible for arranging various activities, i.e. group outings, birthday celebrations, drop in afternoons, festive celebrations.
Refuge
Our first priority is to ensure that the woman and her children have a safe place to stay; this can be in the refuge (space permitting) or in temporary accommodation through the City of Edinburgh Council. There is also housing associations or in private or family settings. For some women it may not be safe or practical for her to stay in Edinburgh: in such cases we have contacts with other Women’s Aid groups and specialist refuges across the country that can help provide safety and refuge accommodation.
The length of time that women stay in the refuge or temporary accommodation, and the length of time that women need support can vary depending upon individual circumstances.
When a woman moves from the refuge or temporary accommodation the key workers will help with both practical and emotional aspects involved with re-housing. Support is given to make new contacts, formal and social, to regain confidence and to keep up with any children’s needs. Children's workers will assist with any children’s needs; some may experience initial difficulties in settling down at a new school or adjusting to the changes that come with moving from refuge.
