Support services for women and girls affected by gang and serious youth violence
Race on the Agenda (ROTA) is conducting major research on the impacts of gang and serious youth violence and serious group offending on women and girls. Until now, the needs and experiences of girls and women have been largely ignored.
ROTA’s
‘Female Voice in Violence’ research project has been running since March 2008. The research team of seven women, led by ROTA Policy Officer Carlene Firmin, is working with women and girls to raise awareness about the risks faced, and roles played, by women affected by serious youth violence, including mothers, sisters or partners of gang members and/or young men involved in violence, as well as young female offenders.
ROTA is interviewing women and girls, and collecting examples of best practice and evidence from third sector practitioners working with young people.
Women’s voluntary and community organisations could play a major role in supporting women and girls affected by gang and serious youth violence. In partnership with ROTA, the Women's Resource Centre is conducting a
needs assessment of women’s organisations about the support they are currently delivering or would like to provide for girls and women affected by gang and serious group offending and youth violence.
The research project will shape policy at local, regional and national levels, across health, education, criminal justice, housing and equalities. The GLA is hosting a Pan-London meeting and the Government Equalities
Office is hosting a meeting with central government departments, in
order for ROTA to present its interim findings and develop strategic
recommendations. These findings will also be presented to five London
boroughs to develop local recommendations for future strategies.
How can I get involved?
The Women's Resource Centre (WRC) is currently assessing the capacity and needs of the women's sector in meeting the support needs of gang affected women and girls. We are conducting a
short survey about the current and potential support available from women’s organisations. The survey closes on Monday 31 September.
Complete the survey.
ROTA and WRC are holding
two events for women’s organisations in
November and December. A consultation event specifically for BAME
women’s organisations is taking place on
5 November.
A meeting for all
women’s organisations is taking place on
7 December, where Carlene
Firmin will update organisations about her meetings with
decision-makers. The meeting will also discuss how the women’s sector
can strategise around potential opportunities in this field and
identify support needed by organisations. All meetings will take place
at WRC from 10.30am-1pm. To RSVP and for more information, please
contact Tania Pouwhare, WRC Head of Policy, on
tania@wrc.org.uk or 020
7324 3030.
Find out more