Sixty black African migrant children who are victims of domestic abuse in south London will have increased safety and improved emotional health and wellbeing thanks to a grant from London Freemasons to the Africa Advocacy Foundation (AAF)
The £58,000 grant will support AAF’s Time2Know project, which will provide person-centred, language appropriate and culturally sensitive support to address the harmful effects of domestic abuse. It will work with professionals and mainstream services and agencies to ensure ongoing support for beneficiaries.
AAF is a London based charity that promotes access to health, education and other opportunities for Black and minority ethnic groups who are mainly but not exclusively migrant people.
Time2Know will primarily work with children aged six-18 who are mainly those with parents who have no recourse to public funds, undocumented, refugees and asylum-seekers.
In addition to experiencing domestic abuse these children also face barriers and challenges integrating in the society, are isolated, likely to self-harm and lack social networks necessary for building their sense of community
AAF has a long track record of working with families, mainly women with children, affected by domestic abuse. The organisation is dedicated to ensuring that mainstream services are culturally competent and have better understanding of the detrimental effects of domestic abuse on children’s mental health
Out of the 92 children affected by domestic abuse currently supported by AAF, only 14 have been in contact with Children’s Social Services. Those with parents who are undocumented or have no recourse to public funds fare worse on accessing services than other groups.
The grant from London Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Agnes Baziwe, AAF Chief Executive, said:
“We’re very grateful to London Freemasons for this generous grant towards the important work we do with children and young people. We’re doing everything we can to ensure mainstream services and professionals recognise children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right.”
Paul King from London Freemasons, said:
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help the AAF with their hugely important programme helping young victims of domestic abuse. These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community, most of them unknown to social services, and the help offered by this charity is crucial.”
