About to donate to Refuge but…

[Illegallyblonder]

Do they believe TWAW? If so, I won’t. Can’t find anything on their website other than a load of EDI word salad.

I've just done a search on the Women's Aid directory and some of there services come up as women only (as they are part of the federation that would be women only as per SSE).

In fact I used WA directory search to see how many providers do have women only services and it seems quite a few.

Directory search engine is here https://www.womensaid.org.uk/womens-aid-directory/

Use the search by Other Options rather than location.

Oh dear, have looked at web site and seen this:

LGBTIQ+ Shine
The LGBTIQ+ Shine Equality Network Group is a safe and supportive space for staff and volunteers who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer-plus. The group aims to promote an intersectional approach to LGBTIQ+ diversity and inclusion, amplify the voices of LGBTIQ+ people’s lived experiences to effect change and increase understanding within Refuge and the wider community.
https://refuge.org.uk/about-refuge/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/

which would imply that if there are staff and volunteers who are trans, how can a service be women only ie saying a refuge is for women only, but having trans staff and volunteers negates the service being women only.

Seems like false advertising.

Why not just contact them and say could they clarify as it will influence your donation. Dont say which way you want them to answer but just ask if their service is trans inclusive.

If you are ok donating to a London based refuge then what about Nia? It is run by Karen Ingala Smith, who is a wonderful woman. She produces the Femicide report that is used to name murdered women, which is read out in Parliament every year. Karen is very clear about who is allowed access, and has given evidence at Parlianetary committee level.

Karen Ingala Smith is an amazing woman.

I've donated to Nia, thank you. I'm going to email Refuge as well though, let's see what they say.

There's always Biera's Place - not sure how much they're actively seeking donations?

https://beirasplace.org.uk/

@MrsOvertonsWindow Thanks, I looked on their site last night and couldn't see a donate button! I've emailed Refuge so we'll see.

Just generally, rather than in response to query about Refuge, I think it is well worth finding out if there is a local refuge near you (see WA directory link above).

And make contact with them. Many smaller refuges that aren't part of huge conglomerates such as Refuge (which has a terrible reputation re treatment of staff) operate much closer to the original model of refuges.

And often need support. Although at Christmas most of them will have already arranged Christmas Gift bags for the women and children they are supporting.

Was reminded of this by a post on some other (dont know which!) mumsnet forum where someone asked about donations at Christmas. Quite varied suggestions. But someone posted to say she was someone who had had a Christmas Gift parcel and how much it had meant to her and her son. Not only were there essentials in the parcel but also little luxeries they could never afford. The little boy had never had a bubble bath before and he was absolutely thrilled.

There's a list of some women's groups / campaigns looking for donations here, but not sure about where any of them stand on the trans issue. http://www.womensgrid.org.uk/?pageid=23642

Have had to correct typos in above post. As always.

One of which was mumsnet which I had typed as mumsent. And I thought oh yes, not heaven sent, but mum sent!!

I've had a reply from them.

"Refuge is actively reviewing our services to make sure that they are inclusive of all women.

Currently all Refuge’s community based, and non-accommodation services are fully accessible to trans women and our accommodation services are predominantly single-sex. We will continue to provide single-sex accommodation but, as the largest provider of refuge accommodation in the UK, we are working with and learning from specialist providers to understand how to ensure trans women have increased access to refuge accommodation."

Glad I didn't donate then!

That is really bad.

Not even having the guts to say we will continue to provide our primary service as women only, but are investigating / expending other services for trans women.

The important women.