Abuse can take many forms. Emotional, physical, sexual, or all three. The isolation, intimidation and constant threat felt by women who are in the midst of sexually abusive situations can leave them highly vulnerable to homelessness. Thankfully, there are organisations out there who can help. SAY Women are here for you.
One can but imagine living in constant fear. The thought that leaving, having no idea where safety might be, what it might look like, what is your path? Terrifying. But not as terrifying as staying.
SAY Women is an organisation which was established in response to the 1992 CHAR (Housing Campaign for Single People) report, “4 in 10: Report on young women who became homeless because of sexual violence.” The organisation seeks to provide housing for those affected by sexual violence. Their vision would be to have a society where “homelessness, sexual violence and all forms of gender-based violence against women and children and girls is prevented.”
Home
The young women who access their help are between the ages of 16 and 25 years. The women are survivors of sexual abuse, and some have become homeless as a result. At SAY Women, that help is available. The services provided by the charity go above and beyond a roof over your head. The semi-supported, confidential and secure accommodation are all independent flats, furnished living spaces with staff on site to help. The tenancies are for up to 18 months but are reviewed every 6 months. The charity also partners with a local food distribution organisation and so help the women have easier access to food and fresh produce.
Holistic Support
As well as the secure flats, SAY Women are committed to supporting these women in so many other ways. They provide services such as: 1-2-1 support sessions where individuals can talk about their experiences and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment without obligation or judgement. Group work is a weekly event for women to gather and participate in activities collectively that are healing and creative in nature, often led by a subject teacher, and supported by key workers.
Sessional activities aim to nurture a sense of normalcy for the women by doing everyday activities like going to the cinema, out for a meal and visiting local landmarks. Community Connectoris the service that seeks and fosters relationships between the young women and the local community as well as opportunities for personal growth. The charity recently formed a partnership with a local community allotment, allowing access to their very own allotment space for the women to have a safe outdoor space to grow food and participate in positive mental health activities and exercise in their garden space. Looking to 2025, the charity aims to raise funds to landscape the garden at the accommodation complex. This will then offer outdoor space on site.
Looking to the Future
The charity is keen to ensure they are preparing the women for the future. Their Tenancy Sustainmenthelps those who are ready to move on to their own accommodation, ensuring they are moving into suitable, livable and safe housing. They also have access to classes that teach a variety of life skills such as cooking healthy meals and budgeting. Over and above these services, opportunities with local organisations and businesses support the young women with anything from cv-writing to public speaking.
SAY Women offers a “wrap around service”, which means that the women can access its services after they have left. Although ultimately the aim is to ensure independence, the road to resilience isn’t always that easy and learning to cope when healing takes time. Thus, the door is always open.
Don’t Take our Word for it
So, what about those women who have used the service? From those who have experienced horrific abuse, have fought their own demons due to this and come out the other side, woman A says “SAY Women has changed my life for the better. I’m no longer the shy, timid girl that everyone can walk over. I know there is nothing wrong with me. I was abused, and I know that wasn’t right. I am a survivor, I am strong, beautiful, kind, loving and a great mum. No one will ever be able to tell me otherwise from now on! I can now have happy and healthy relationships whilst maintaining my own boundaries. I can maintain my anxiety and control my negative thoughts. But most importantly, I want to live not only for my daughter but for myself. SAY Woman saved me and helped me find myself again.”
More than just a roof over your head.
If you are in immediate danger call 999
To speak to SAY Women – 0141 552 5803 (Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm)
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