Who we are

Established in 1995 BAWSO is an all Wales, voluntary organisation, providing specialist holistic services to Black and Minority Ethnic women and children, who are, or are about to be made homeless through a threat of domestic abuse, suffering or fleeing domestic abuse in Wales. It is affiliated to Welsh Women's Aid and works closely and in partnership with other women's aid organisations. Since opening its doors, BAWSO has supported thousands of women and children to rebuild their lives away from fear and abuse.

The strategic management and overall responsibility of the organisation lies with the Board of Directors, which consists of BME women from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. The Board reflects the nature of the communities that we serve, and members have various relevant skills and experiences. BAWSO reserves one third of the Board for ex service users.

On the operational level, the organisation has grown steadily and the current delivery of services is the responsibility of 67 paid staff, 43 volunteers and interpreters. The day-to-day management of the organisation is the responsibility of the Chief Executive.

BAWSO has received Accreditation of Support Provider with assigned number ASP03-064 by the Welsh Assembly Government. We have also been awarded the Quality Mark by the Legal Services Commission 2003 and the Investors in People Award in November 2005.

Our Aims and Objectives

Aims

To provide a place of safety and shelter for women from black and minority ethnic backgrounds in Wales who are victims or at risk of domestic abuse.
To provide practical help and support according to their individual needs.
To create an environment where women feel empathy, can communicate and develop their self-esteem.
To inform and educate the community, the voluntary and statutory sector in Wales, of the rights and needs of the women and children from black and minority ethnic backgrounds
To actively promote the right of every BME woman to freely participate in the project, regardless of their age, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, disability or sensory impairment, social and economic condition.

Objectives

To provide shelter in suitable locations which will be accessible to all BME women seeking refuge.
To contact funding bodies in order to obtain capital and revenue monies to develop projects.
To provide multi-lingual information regarding the services delivered by the project.
To provide advice and counselling for BME women in distress who come into contact with the project.
To set up advice and information center which will be accessible to all BME women.