Interpreting Campaign 'Being heard is not the same as being understood'

Women accessing our services often tell us that it's the first time they have been offered an interpreter. Not being able to communicate in our own language can further compound abuse.Help us to provide interpreting support for all women who need it.

Story

What if when you were at your lowest ebb, when looking for support, no one understood you? Having an interpreter available to support women should be a standard, and it is within our organisation. But it's costing us upwards of £150,000 a year to provide this support.

We will always offer an interpreter to women whose first language isn't English, and we will make it clear to her that it is no problem at all to source one.

I cannot thank you enough, all the other agencies I spoke to, I felt like they judged me but you and all the workers I have spoken to have been so kind to me and have understood my pain and believed in me." A woman who was supported with an Urdu interpreter.

No matter the cost, this isn't something we will stop providing so please support us in offering this vital aspect of our service. Women may have been forbidden from learning English by their abuser - not providing this support compounds the abuse.

Why not undertake a real or virtual sponsored silence to raise awareness of women's silencing?

- go silent on your social networks and ask for sponsors

- organise a silent hour or session in your workplace, school or college

About the charity

Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1073926

www.bswaid.org

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid supports women and children affected by any form of violence. We provide: Confidential helpline, refuge accommodation, community based drop-in services and help with civil and legal proceedings. We deliver awareness work with children and young people.