How a “by and for” charity creates a community of mutual support for those in need

Domestic violence often leaves a lasting mark on the lives of migrant women in London, reflecting the systemic barriers and inequalities embedded within the city. For many, these experiences remain hidden within the home and go unreported to authorities. A study by King’s College London finds that just under 78 per cent of migrant women with insecure immigration status in London have “experienced psychological intimate partner violence within the home since moving to the UK”. However, nearly a quarter fear deportation and do not report it to authorities, which leaves many without clear routes to seek help.

Latin American Women’s Aid (LAWA), a refuge and registered charity led mainly “by and for Latin American women”, offers services to these temporary residents, as well as Black, minoritised and other global majority women and children. Founded by Latin American women who come to the country as political refugees, LAWA’s mission is to work together with women and children to “end gender-based violence and achieve self-determination” in the UK. The charity offers a range of holistic and intersectional services for survivors of violence and exploitation in Spanish and Portuguese, as well as English.

Giovanna Saad Gimenes, a credentialed National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) counsellor – a qualification for professionals who have met “national standards for training, ethics and conduct” – has been working as a counsellor and psychotherapist at LAWA since January last year. With extensive experience supporting survivors of violence, she supports women “who have experienced gender-related discrimination, including domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of exploitation”. Giovanna shares that her work is to “provide trauma-informed emotional support, help women understand their options, and work alongside advocates to ensure they can access legal advice, housing support, immigration guidance and welfare support”.

Giovanna states that everything LAWA does is “rooted in cultural understanding and respect for each woman’s lived experience”, with “safety and trust at the centre” of their work. “From the first contact, we are clear that our services are confidential and independent, and that seeking support does not put women at risk of immigration enforcement.” “Many women come to us feeling afraid or powerless, so we focus on restoring choice and control, validating their experiences, and ensuring they feel believed, respected, and supported without judgment.”

This is especially the case in London, where the refuge is based. “London is home to a large and diverse Latin American community, but it can also be isolating and expensive, particularly for migrant women.” Many of the women LAWA supports face overlapping challenges, “such as insecure immigration status, language barriers, housing insecurity and financial dependence on abusive partners.” As such, LAWA has “developed highly specialised services that respond to these realities”. Such services include “immigration-related advocacy, culturally specific counselling and close partnerships with other organisations working across housing, legal aid and health services”, among others.

As an organisation “by and for” Latin American women, the refuge both employs and serves Latin American women, which makes a significant difference in practice for survivors who seek their services. Giovanna says that survivors “often tell us they feel immediately understood without having to explain cultural dynamics, language nuances or migration experiences”. “It reduces fear, shame and isolation, and helps women feel safe enough to open up.” The staff reflect the communities they serve, which “builds trust and ensures services are genuinely responsive to” survivors’ realities”.

However, Giovanna also thinks that there needs to be “greater recognition of the specific barriers Latin American women face, particularly around immigration status, access to public funds and language support,” to better support women as they come to the UK. “More long-term funding for specialist, community-led organisations like LAWA is essential,” she says. “Public services also need better training to understand the intersection of migration, gender-based violence and cultural factors, so women are not turned away or retraumatised when seeking help.” Most importantly, however, Giovanna believes that “policies should prioritise safety and dignity over immigration control, ensuring that no woman is forced to stay in an abusive situation out of fear”.