The Latin American Women’s Aid is a dedicated specialist service led by and for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women, working together to end violence and enhance women and girls’ empowerment.
Our services are conceived in the framework of a rights-based empowerment strategy and accredited by Advice Quality Standard.
Each and every one of our staff members, volunteers and board represent the spirit of Latin American Women’s Aid: committed to making our vision for a world without violence against women and children a reality.
For 29 years LAWA has run culturally sensitive and holistic services which address the complex needs of women and children from migrant backgrounds. We also offer the only refuge for Latin American women and children in Europe.
Our service provision consist of two main pillars; The Refuge and Advocacy Centre.
Refuge: We have been running the only women’s refuge for the Latin American community in the UK since 1987. The refuge is a secure, friendly, women-only safe space for women (and their children, if they have any) fleeing a violent relationship.
Advice & support service: As part of our Breaking Free From Violence project, our free one-to-one holistic service provides women with comprehensive advice and advocacy services. Women in London and other parts of England can speak to a LAWA support worker about any issue they are facing, including domestic violence, discrimination, personal safety planning, legal remedies, welfare benefits advice, housing and emergency accommodation, child support, skills development and community integration.
Family, Children and Young People Support Service: We provide a tailored service to help children overcome their traumatic experiences and settle into the refuge, supporting families to rebuild healthy relationships, implement safety planning, as well as offer floating support for women that cannot access safety.
Monthly social, cultural and activities: LAWA organises regular events such as cinema clubs, children’s fun days, yoga, picnics, excursions, pamper days, museum visits and English classes.