More than 50 women have completed empowerment workshops co-designed by survivors of domestic abuse to protect them from becoming future victims.
Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts provided £5k from her Safer and Stronger Communities Fund to Derby-based non-profit organisation Community One for its Empower Her project.
The programme was designed to address violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Black and Asian communities, raising awareness and building resilience among young women aged 12-21 through a series of eight peer-led and culturally sensitive workshops.
It culminated in a large-scale community event attended by more than 200 women, community leaders, families and statutory services, creating a platform for intergenerational dialogue around violence against women and girls (VAWG).
The project has also involved the development of a Community Ambassador network, training women as leaders to support their peers and challenge harmful cultural norms.
Twelve ambassadors are already training and six are actively delivering support.
Prior to the workshop launching, awareness of signs of abuse among the cohort was 32%, which increased to 78% following delivery. Additionally, confidence rose from 28% pre-workshop to 72%.
Women reported improved understanding of coercive control, online safety, and how to access support.
“I didn’t realise some behaviours were abuse – now I know how to protect myself,” said one participant.
Serious Violence including Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is the highest of six priorities within the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan.
Among several VAWG-related commitments in the Plan is a promise to engage women and girls to better understand their concerns to increase trust and confidence in the police and to increase awareness of VAWG support and aftercare services for survivors and victims and to continue to strengthen the offer.
Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: “We know that victims of abuse from racially minoritised communities often face many complex and deeply personal barriers when trying to seek help and safety. These can include language challenges, limited support networks, and the fear of bringing shame or dishonour to their families. Together, these pressures can increase feelings of isolation and vulnerability.
“By listening, understanding, and working in partnership with communities, we can begin to break down these barriers. It’s vital that we create a future where everyone feels safe, supported, and able to access the help they need without fear or stigma.
“Through the sessions, women have not only gained knowledge and practical tools to recognise and act on abuse and coercive control earlier they have also been empowered to help their peers and actively challenge the underlying attitudes and beliefs that fuel violence and abuse in the first place. This is very important for building wider community resilience and protecting women from entering unhealthy relationships in the future.
“The increased rates of awareness and confidence post workshops provide strong evidence that this project is having a tangible impact in reducing vulnerability and isolation and preventing future harm.”
The initial phase of the project focused on targeted outreach and engagement within South Asian communities across Derby, working through trusted community networks, schools and partner organisations to recruit participants to overcome cultural and trust barriers with both young women and their families.
The workshops themselves covered several key themes from understanding healthy and unhealthy relationships, recognising the signs of abuse including coercive control and digital abuse, confidence building and leadership development and awareness of support services and safeguarding pathways.
The workshops were co-designed by South Asian women with lived experience of abuse and delivered in a culturally sensitive way.
