Asian Women's Resource Centre

Brent Asian Women's Refuge and Resource Centre

Originating as ‘refuges’ in the 1970s, centres for women at risk of domestic violence, like the Asian Women's Resource Centre (AWRC), were set up at the interstices of the feminist and anti-racism movements of the late twentieth century. Refuges would initially provide accommodation and a safe space for women exposed to violence.

The AWRC, formerly known as the Brent Asian Women's Refuge and Resource Centre, was founded by a group of South Asian women who understood that many existing women’s refuges were not tailored to the specific cultural needs of women from minority ethnic backgrounds. Language requirements were not being met and many women also suffered from the effects of racism and unconscious bias from caseworkers or when they sought support from these institutions. The refuge in Brent expanded its services into a centre for Asian women in 1980, also covering locations London-wide. The organization continues its operations as part of the UK and wider United Nations' campaign to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Today, the AWRC places emphasis on its identity as a ‘by and for’-led organization which works to provide a range of services for South Asian women but also more broadly for Black and minority ethnic women throughout London. The Centre provides counselling, advice (including legal advice) and information services for women affected by violence, through both in-person and virtual consultations. Caseworkers are also able to conduct outreach surgeries across the city and are accredited to give advice on immigration issues by the Office for Immigration Services Commissioner. Importantly, they offer these services in a range of languages from Dutch to Urdu. The Centre’s work is also holistic, as they give women the tools to rebuild their lives post-trauma, in terms of social and cultural life and employment. This aspect of the organization includes social outings, opportunities for networking, and education and training for their future careers.

The Centre’s funding comes from a variety of sources including the National Lottery, Lloyds Bank and London Councils. However, the nature of the present financial landscape for local authorities in the UK means that funding for this kind of centre is not guaranteed and highly competitive.