The Government’s welfare reforms are already impacting “massively” on some of society’s most vulnerable women.
According to workers at the Huddersfield-based Kirklees WomenCentre, there has been a rise in the numbers of women reporting domestic violence and abuse. And cases of destitution are on the increase, particularly among the refugee population.
Louise Warner, manager of Womenspace, based at the WomenCentre in Lord Street, explained: “Sixty per cent of our work is with women who have suffered sexual abuse or domestic abuse. A lot of our work is with women with complex needs.”
Her colleague Helen Hird, manager of the Evolve project within WomenCentre, which works with female offenders and those at risk of offending, added: “Changes in the benefits system have impacted massively on women and children. For example, we are getting an increased demand for food parcels – 10 or 12 a week, while it used to be only one or two.”
But it’s not just austerity measures that are worsening the plight of women who seek help from the service. Since Womenspace was launched 25 years ago the world has changed and new threats have appeared.
For example, the insidious growth of internet pornography, now so easily available on a range of digital technology, is damaging the lives of many.
“The problems caused by internet pornography are massive for women,” said Helen. “A lot of the domestic abuse cases we see arise because what people see online is being put into practice. Women are being pestered to look and behave like the people in porn.”
Louise believes that a new generation of young men, growing up with instant access to images of sex and violence – often one and the same – are being desensitised. “We’ve got to the point where gang rape is seen as a bit of a laugh,” she said. “It’s deeply worrying. Women are becoming more objectified. Market forces and the internet are determining so much.”
“Then there’s ‘sexting’ and the pressure on young girls to send pictures of themselves naked to boys,” added Helen. “We try to do a lot of work with young girls on this topic.”
Over the years Womenspace – now amalgamated with women’s services in Calderdale to form WomenCentre, with bases in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Halifax – has grown to offer a wide range of services for women’s health and wellbeing.
When it was launched 25 years ago it might have been hoped that by the year 2013 – following years of equality legislation – demand for its services would have shrunk.
In fact the organisation now has all manner of projects and self-help groups – helping women of all ages and from all social groups with everything from gender issues, eating disorders and self harming to housing and substance abuse. They work with women who have been sex-trafficked, tortured, raped and – almost unbelievably in the 21st century – those who have been victims of genital mutilation.
Helen explained: “Women have a range of needs and issues, many of them quite complex, and the philosophy here is about being holistic. You can’t compartmentalise women. We work on safeguarding, domestic violence, risk of offending, help with getting back into education and literacy. We are a one-stop shop.”
For the past three years the centre has had £50,000 a year from Comic Relief to fund therapeutic work with refugees and asylum seekers, some of whom have suffered enormously.
WomenCentre is now putting together an on-line book, Women in Exile, of the women’s experiences.
The centre also runs a group for women separated from their children – mostly because the youngsters have been taken into care.
“When children are taken away the situation is very child focussed,” said Louise. “The mother is put on the edge and ignored. We don’t judge them but we work with them and we are getting a high percentage of them getting their children back.”
By fusing Womenspace with its Calderdale counterpart, WomenCentre achieved a greater profile and power to influence change. Its chief executive Clare Jones campaigns and works nationally as a voice for women in need.
“But there is still a glass ceiling,” says Louise. “There hasn’t been a significant shift in power. It made sense for us to join with Calderdale women’s organisations because now we have more clout.”
The WomenCentre organisation has 40 paid part-time staff and around 60 volunteers, including trained counsellors. It helps around 2,500 women each year and works closely with other agencies.
THE WomenCentre in Lord Street, Huddersfield, runs a regular Eating Distress Support group for those with disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, weight concerns, food addictions or revulsion to food. Meeting once a month the group offers an awareness approach. Individual coaching is also available. For details calls 01484 450866 or email louise.warner@womencentre.org.uk
VOLUNTEERS are always needed for Womenspace, part of the WomenCentre charity. The organisation could not survive without the input of women from all backgrounds.. While many have skills and a background in therapeutic services, full training is given to suitable candidates. For details contact the volunteer coordinator on 01484 450866.
Its bases are: 15 Lord Street, Huddersfield (01484 450866); Silver Street, Halifax (01422 386500) and 7 Wellington Street, Dewsbury (drop-in on Mondays from noon until 2pm). More information is available from www.womencentre.org.uk