Information for people new to Manchester
Women and Children

This section contains information and contacts of specific relevance to women and children.

Immigration status and asylum claims

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If you are a woman refugee and you need advice and information about claiming asylum for gender-related reasons, about becoming a principal asylum seeker in your own right (and not as a dependent on your husband) or about your immigration status, contact the Refugee Women's Resources Project, the Refugee Council, Refugee Action.

Accommodation issues

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All refugees looked after by local authorities or NASS are entitled to adequate and safe accommodation. If, as a woman, you don't feel safe in the accommodation that you have been given, then get in touch with your accommodation provider, Refugee Action or the NASS regional office.

Sexual harassment and assault

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Sexual harassment and assault against men and women are illegal in the UK. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome attention such as sexual remarks, looks and advances to another person.

Sexual assault is any sexual action against someone's will (including rape) by anyone - including people who are known to you and relatives. Sexual assaults should be reported to the police,  you can do this through Refugee Action and the Red Cross Refugee Service, which act as reporting centres for asylum seekers and refugees. If you report a sexual assault this will not affect your asylum claim. There are also special organisations which can give advice and counselling to victims of sexual assault, such as St Mary's Sexual Assault Centre or Victim Support.

Domestic violence

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Domestic violence is violence against you carried out by family or friends in your home. Wife-beating is a typical example of domestic violence. It also includes emotional or psychological abuse and not letting you have food or money or stopping you from going out of the home alone.

In the UK most domestic violence is a criminal offence. There are special organisations to help refugees who suffer domestic violence. The police can take action to protect women and children, who can go to live in safe accommodation.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, or if you are in danger, call the police emergency number (999), go to your local police station or contact an organisation such as Refuge 24 hr National Crisis Line or Women's Domestic Violence Helpline.

Domestic violence can be reported to the police through Refugee Action and the Red Cross Refugee Service, which act as reporting centres for asylum seekers and refugees.

Social and emotional support

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If you feel lonely or isolated, or you need support to deal with difficult emotions, organisations such as the Red Cross Refugee Education, Support and Training (REST) Women's Project, the Pankhurst Centre and the Hanifah Project (a Muslim organisation but open to any women refugees) provide social opportunities and information on further services, such as counselling.

There are also a number of drop-ins which you might try going to. Drop-ins are run by organisations who help refugees and asylum seekers, they are generally friendly, safe, welcoming and understanding of your situation.

There are many other projects and community groups who run projects and activities which give social and emotional support. Look in the section social and emotional support .

Support for young children

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There are a number of organisation and services which provide support for parents and children.

Sure Start operate in many area of the city. They provide support with parents of children under 4. Activities include children's activities, trips, ESOL classes, advice, Parenting classes, help with accessing maternity grants etc.

The Routes Project provide family support to asylum seekers and refugee parents and children ages 5-13. They provide case work support on many issues as well as helping with play materials and activities and they have some bi-lingual workers

The Children's Information Service support can provide information and advice on childcare.

Keeping children safe

Children can be vulnerable in a new country where they are not used to the way people behave. So you should:

. Try to take young children to and from school.

. Always know where your children are.

. Tell your children not to accept stranger's presents or go anywhere with them.

. Never leave children under 11 alone at home. You may be prosecuted if the child is harmed, and the children may be taken into care. If you need to leave your home urgently and you are not able to take your children with you, ask a friend or a neighbour to look after the child for you.

Further information for women and children can be found in the section on Education and Training, and the section on Sports and Leisure lists women-only activities such as swimming.

Contact details

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