Sexual Violence Black Minority and Ethnic Groups

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Sexual ViolenceBlack Minority and Ethnic
Groups

• Jackie Miller
• Community Public Health Nurse

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The Refugee Council
The Refugee Council is the largest refugee
organisation in the UK, providing help and
support to asylum seekers and refugees and
provide free information and advice in their own
language.
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Question
Large groups of clients present to the Refugee
Council in connection with rape or sexual
violence. Which of the following countries do
you think the largest group came from?

• Sri Lanka
• Eritrea
• Democratic Republic of Congo

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Answer

• Sri Lanka 50
• Eritrea 7
• DRC 6

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Sexual Violence

• Rape is recognised under international law as a
  weapon of war and is outlawed in all countries
• It is hugely prevalent in many areas that produce
  refugees

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Women who manage to escape and seek asylum in the
UK face
Further hardship
Destitution
A system that doesnt recognise their needs
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Case Study

• Sri Lankan lady
• Married with a young child
• Husbands whereabouts unknown
• Arrived UK
• Moved to Wigan

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Her issues

• Language problems
• Isolated/disorientated/loss of family and husband
• Abducted and imprisoned
• Sexual violence
• Risk of sexually transmitted infection(STI)
• Physically and mentally traumatised
• Transport
• Limited finances

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The HVPT (Homeless and Vulnerable Persons Team)
offered the following

• Support / Befriending/Tamil groups/Red Cross
• Orientation to the area
• Introduction to voluntary agencies
• Referral to Medical Foundation for Victims of
  Torture/DIAS
• Referral and support through sexual health
  screening
• Referral to TB service for new entrant screening
• Advocacy - e.g. NASS, Housing provider, EWO

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Where she is now

• Still living in the area
• Settled into area
• Health issues resolving
• Supported by new friends, voluntary agencies
• Attending for weekly immigration reporting
• Receiving ongoing counselling
• Attending Esol classes
• Re-building her life and awaiting asylum decision

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What would have happened without HVPT
intervention?

• Remained isolated/ poor communication
• No support
• No access to voluntary agencies
• Health issues not addressed for mother and child
• Non attendance of appointments
• Deterioration of physical and mental health
• Risk the spread of infectious diseases
• Increased impact on primary and secondary care

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Hopes for the future

• To be given refugee status in the UK
• To work as a volunteer helping others in similar
  situations
• To gain employment in the UK
• To be reunited with family in Sri Lanka

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Thank you for listening Jackie Miller