Content note: this article contains references to domestic and sexual abuse that readers may find upsetting.

The domestic abuse non-profit Sistah Space has announced that it will be opening a specialist refuge for Black women affected by abuse – a first in the UK. Sharing the news on Instagram, the charity wrote:

“As we come to the end of Black Herstory Month, we share with you some special news. We Did It. A heartfelt thank you to each person that has supported us in any way on this journey. To those that have shown love and even those who haven’t. We have done what we said we’d do, achieved our goal and made #Herstory this #BlackHistoryMonth We are so appreciative of this moment and look forward to what the future has in store.”

Sistah Space, founded in 2015 in response to the murder of Valerie Forde and her 22-month-old daughter by Valerie’s ex-partner, aims to highlight and tackle domestic and sexual abuse in African and Caribbean heritage women.

The organisation has been advocating for Valerie’s Law, which would make cultural competency training mandatory – accounting for the “cultural nuances and barriers, colloquialisms, languages and customs that make up the diverse Black community.” Supported by Diane Abbott and Florence Eshalomi (as well as other MPs), the proposed law was heard in parliament last year.

Charity Sistah Space launches the UK’s first specialist refuge for Black women affected by abuse