For women experiencing domestic abuse, asking for help can be difficult. For South Asian women, there can be additional barriers that make it even harder to seek support and move towards safety.

Language barriers, immigration concerns, financial dependence, isolation, family and community pressure, and fears about the impact of leaving on children can all affect a woman’s ability to access help. Experiences of racism or discrimination can also make women hesitant to approach services that they do not feel will understand their circumstances.

This is why specialist, community-based support matters.

At Maa Shanti, women can access support from a team with an understanding of the cultural, linguistic and practical barriers they may face. We provide support in Bengali, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi, alongside English, and offer a welcoming space where women can talk openly about what is happening in their lives.

Our approach is about more than responding to immediate crisis. We support women to rebuild confidence, reduce isolation, understand their options and take steps towards greater independence.

For many women, having someone who understands their circumstances and listens without judgement can be an important first step towards change.