7th February 2017

What works for women facing multiple disadvantage?

Agenda, an alliance of more than 70 organisations campaigning for women and girls at risk, and AVA (Against Violence and Abuse) are working together to map what service provision there is for women across the country. In the first stage of the project, they have reviewed the evidence on what works to support women facing multiple disadvantage. The predominant message, that regardless of the type of service, it is how support is delivered that is key to engaging with this vulnerable group of women. Key elements include:

• The quality of relationships between women working in and using services is often what women value most.


• Having an understanding of women’s lives, particularly how experiences of trauma and abuse are commonplace.


• Working from a strengths-based empowerment model.


• Providing a physically and emotionally safe space, which can only be achieved in a women-only environment.


• Holistic provision that reflects women’s individual needs and how they are often interlinked.


• Specialist support for some groups such as Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women.

The executie summary and full report are both available.