Hamda
Hamda is one of the Immigrant Council’s Community Navigators, trained to provide free, confidential information to migrant women experiencing domestic violence
As a Community Navigator, Hamda serves as a bridge connecting migrants with available services, as well as providing outreach to Indian and Pakistani communities in Ireland.
“As a Community Navigator I see the terrible impact domestic violence has on victims. Our service only began this September and already our team of six navigators have helped more than thirty victims experiencing domestic violence situations.
“It’s not just the Immigrant Council’s numbers showing this rising prevalence of domestic violence either. Domestic abuse in general has seen a 15% rise based on 2020 reports from An Garda Síochána compared to 2019, while a 2020 report from Women’s Aid indicated a 90% increase in calls to Women’s Aid Helpline facilitated through a language other than English compared to 2019. These numbers paint a frightening picture for many migrant women in Ireland.
“Many of the people we help report feeling trapped and helpless, and in many cases there are children involved which can contribute to the victim’s feeling of powerlessness to leave the abusive environment. What we want them to know is that they do not have to stay – that they have rights, and there is help available today.”
Migrants experiencing domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Immigrant Council’s Helpline on 01-674-0200 (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri) or access free information on their rights.
Community Navigators can be contacted confidentially via email or referred through the Immigrant Council Helpline.