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BAMER Support

Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee.

BAMER

We understand the complexities of sexual abuse and violence in BAMER communities and the barriers faced by those accessing support. Our staff receive regular training on the additional needs of survivors from BAMER communities. Additionally, all our staff are trained to recognise and respond to incidents of/potential incidents of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)/cutting.

You Are not Alone

We understand that people from BAMER communities who have experienced rape, sexual violence, or childhood sexual abuse may face specific fears and pressures, for example:

  • Men and women can be forced into marriage against their will and can face threats of violence if they do not proceed.
  • Women are sometimes subject to powerful traditional practices such as izzat (honour) and sharam (shame) and can be fearful of bringing shame on their family honour.
  • Women can be expected to uphold the honour of the family and be a dutiful and obedient wife or daughter who accepts violence rather than leaving home.
  • Survivors may fear being outcast by their extended family and wider community.
  • Survivors may fear that they will be ignored, or that they will suffer further violence.
  • Women are wrongly encouraged to blame themselves and their own behaviour for ‘provoking’ attacks upon them.
  • Lack of confidentiality, even the perception of limited confidentiality, can prevent survivors from seeking help.
  • LGBT survivors may have been subjected to ‘corrective rape.’
  • Refugees may have experienced rape or fled an arranged marriage in their own country and be fearful of being forced to return there.
  • There may be pressure to allow cutting/Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on your children.

While traditional attitudes can be helpful, they can also be a barrier that can stop survivors who have been assaulted from accessing support. You do not need to report to the police or leave home to get support. Confidentiality is essential for people from BAMER communities to get support and help.

We want to ensure that anyone who wishes to access our service can do so and we can provide a translator for a limited number of counselling sessions. Our services are confidential and we are here to listen to and support you.

news-briefing-reports-nsvss News, Briefings & Reports

Three different moustaches on three different backgrounds

What are you doing for male health this Movember?

Coinciding with Men’s Health Month we’re looking at male health concerns and ask what are you doing this Movember?

Hand holding up a sign saying 'We're hiring'

We’re Recruiting

We’re looking for Counsellors/Therapists to join our team to deliver high quality counselling service to survivors of sexual violence (aged 18+).  £32,981 – £33,896 (pro-rata). 30 hrs per week, permanent position

Man with a questionmark. Text says 'prostate concerns after sexual abuse

Prostate concerns after sexual abuse

For survivors of sexual abuse, prostate concerns can be hard to deal with. Re-share our article on Men’s Health and the support available this #Movember.