Domestic Abuse has sharply risen during the pandemic. White Ribbon Day on 25 November was marked by Enfield Saheli with a discussion about domestic abuse, support for perpetrators and victims.
Krishna Pujara welcomed all present and explained the background and services of Enfield Saheli, ‘Saheli’ meaning female friend and how the charity supports and empowers women to be the best they can be.
The White Ribbon is a symbol of hope for a world where women and girls can live free from the fear of violence. Wearing the ribbon is about challenging the acceptability of violence – by getting men involved, helping women to break the silence, and encouraging everyone to come together to build a better world for all
Lynn Hope Thomas, Domestic Abuse Advocacy Worker at Enfield Saheli explained how services included awareness about domestic abuse and that White Ribbon Day was being marked to have conversations around domestic abuse. She said, “During this difficult time - Our clients represent some of the most isolated, vulnerable and marginalized people in the community. The current pandemic, and measures imposed to control it, have had an acutely negative impact on a group of already very vulnerable people, exacerbating existing mental health challenges for many of our clients now facing e.g., financial instability, escalating domestic tensions, bereavement. We’ve also seen people revert to positions of helplessness, rather than feeling able to confront challenges independently.
“We’ve seen urgent calls for action over the crisis lower incomes and insecure housing, which show that BAME groups are disproportionately affected by the crisis, and ultimately put at greater risk of physical, psychological and economic suffering. This vulnerability links to an inordinate increase in the incidence of mental health issues amongst sections of minority groups during this pandemic.”
The online event was attended by many guests from Enfield and surrounding boroughs who listened to the powerful and inspiring words of Kate Osamor, MP for Edmonton.
She said, “We need longer term strategies to deal with the factors that lead to the mental health issues, such as housing and jobs."
Lord Rami Ranger CBE explaining that education plays an important role said, “Domestic abuse will end when we bring our children up in a loving family environment.”
“Love” said Cllr Sabri Ozaydin Mayor of Enfield,” is definitely important.”
“Gentlemen ask your wife, is there any way in which I am hurting you?” recommended Rohit Vadhwana the First Secretary of the High Commission of India, as he believes that by men being more communicative with their spouses, they might uncover something they were not aware of.
Dr Ajai Kumar, a Consultant Psychiatrist in London using the Tantric story of Kali and Shiva, explained about emotional intensity and rational thought and how we need to be able to step back and see the emotion, as the first step in making the choice to act and behave differently, if abusers are to recover.
Enfield Saheli is a charity set up 28 years ago - which provides Confidential Advocacy, Advice and Support to women who are isolated, vulnerable and going through emotional and mental distress. Saheli works not only with women but also with other organisations to raise awareness about the issues faced by women.
