 Remove the shame. Reclaim the woman.
Sexual violence is frequently used by oppressive regimes to punish women. With your help, the Refugee Council helps such women so that they can say with confidence, “I am not a victim”. 
We help them rebuild their lives: not only by providing practical advice and advocacy, but also by empowering them to take back control of their futures. It’s a long and arduous process. By the end, they are able to stand tall, hold their heads high and regain their humanity. They no longer think of themselves as victims. They are powerful women. Through the Powerful Women’s Project, the Refugee Council has helped 182 abused refugee women. We’ve found that their trauma is compounded by the difficulties they experience while living in the UK: - 35 women reported a past history of rape.
- 29 reported difficulties in accessing health care.
- 28 women were destitute and struggled to meet personal needs.
- 10 women experienced gender-based violence in the UK. They were forced to exchange sex for accommodation or food, or were beaten by hosts or deprived of meals.
- 5 women were sleeping rough, even with very young children.
To help women recover a sense of control over their lives, we offer a combination of counselling, emotional support, advice and advocacy. We also help women by providing basic necessities, such as feminine hygiene products, toiletries, baby formula and nappies, as well as toys and clothing. Please donate to the Refugee Council so that vital services such as the Powerful Women’s Project can continue. What we do is unique because it is sensitive to refugee women’s individual experiences and takes into account their cultural background. Our experts know how to give these women the tools they need to regain control of their lives and to live once more with dignity. We cannot afford to let these women down.
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