BAWSO - Black Association of Women Step Out

9 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9HA

Tel: 02920 644633
Helpline (24hrs): 0800-731 8147
Web: www.bawso.org.uk

Established in 1995 BAWSO is an all Wales, voluntary organisation, providing specialist holistic services to black and minority ethnic women and children, who are, or are about to be made homeless through a threat of domestic abuse, suffering or fleeing domestic abuse in Wales. It is affiliated to Welsh Women's Aid and works closely and in partnership with other women's aid organisations. Since opening its doors, BAWSO has supported thousands of women and children to rebuild their lives away from fear and abuse.

BAWSO runs three purpose built refuges in Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, which can accommodate 31 families. Domestic violence support workers, child workers and volunteers, ensure that they provide emotional and practical support to women in the refuges.

Aims

• To provide a place of safety and shelter for women from black and minority ethnic backgrounds in Wales who are victims or at risk of domestic abuse.
• To provide practical help and support according to their individual needs.
• To create an environment where women feel empathy, can communicate and develop their self-esteem.
• To inform and educate the community, the voluntary and statutory sector in Wales, of the rights and needs of the women and children from black and minority ethnic backgrounds
• To actively promote the right of every BME woman to freely participate in the project, regardless of their age, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, disability or sensory impairment, social and economic condition.

Objectives

• To provide shelter in suitable locations which will be accessible to all BME women seeking refuge.
• To contact funding bodies in order to obtain capital and revenue monies to develop projects.
• To provide multi-lingual information regarding the services delivered by the project.
• To provide advice and counselling for BME women in distress who come into contact with the project.
• To set up advice and information center which will be accessible to all BME women.