Blog

26 May 2023

The first Safe Houses in the UK with specialised and organised support for Polish women with children are NOW OPEN!

Opoka is a unique and first-of-its-kind bilingual, specialist domestic violence prevention centre in the UK. We are proud to offer for the first time safe accommodation with specialist support in our two homes for Polish women with children up to the age of 10. Our homes are NOW OPEN! and we have started accepting referrals. … Continued

29 June 2021

Domestic violence within Polish families in the UK

Another goal – Safe House! Opoka is not just a helpline, the “Freedom Program” support group, or psychological care. In times of crisis, the organisation helps women and their children move to a safe place. Opoka’s next goal is to create such a “safe-house” – a place where women and their children can take refuge … Continued

15 June 2021

Everyone can help in the creation of the Safe House for Polish Mothers and Children

In May 2022, Opoka celebrated its 10th anniversary. The organization planned a special event under the theme “BIG CHARITY NIGHT – THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME,” with the goal of raising funds for the first-ever Safe House in the UK for Polish women and children! More in the article below: https://www.emito.net/artykuly/kazdy_moze_pomoc_w_powstaniu_bezpiecznego_domu_polskiej_matki_i_dziecka_2408934.html?fbclid=IwAR2vQ_PqCzZiAyB_Er1-gQy-bmd8fNY_J_Pat-0Wdp6Wr8UMM-e0eOgf4Cg

10 April 2021

Staying in a home should not mean danger. Domestic violence in Polish families in the UK

Statistically, every week, two women living in England and Wales are killed by or within reach of their current or former partner, and nearly one in three women in the country, aged 16-59, has experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. Unfortunately, for many families struggling with the horror of domestic violence, the lockdown meant being … Continued

9 April 2021

Interview: “The hardest thing is to leave everything behind and leave the home…”

Mrs Aneta, you experienced domestic violence. Would you like to share your story? Yes. I personally experienced and survived life-threatening and sustained domestic violence during my first marriage in Poland (1990-2002). After years of suffering from this abuse, I finally found the inner strength and dared to free myself from it. That was 19 years … Continued

9 April 2021

“The hardest part is leaving everything behind and walking out the door…” Every woman has the right to dignity

Shame, immense fear, limited freedom, and condemnation – all of this causes women who experience domestic violence to fear restrictions imposed by their abusive partner. Opoka is an organisation that has been helping Polish women in England lead a safe life, free from dangerous substances and sexual violence. Now, Opoka aims to have its own … Continued

2 March 2021

Domestic violence affecting so many Polish women in the UK. Find help here!

Women often don’t even realise—let alone acknowledge—that what they are experiencing in a relationship or marriage is violence. They don’t understand or accept the concept and identity of abuse, that behaviours such as control, manipulation, intimidation, blackmail, coercion, and pressure from a partner or husband are forms of abuse too,” says Aneta Mackell. “We keep … Continued

11 February 2021

Helpline for Polish women in the UK regarding domestic violence — a safe and confidential support number.

Safe and confidential helpline for Polish women — open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 to 13:00 Please note that the helpline 0300 365 1700 operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10:00 and 13:00, excluding public holidays and Bank Holidays. The line is operated in Polish and is intended solely for Polish women experiencing … Continued

9 February 2021

Domestic violence experienced by so many Polish women living in the United Kingdom

Domestic violence affects many Polish women living in the United Kingdom — but help is available. Talk to Opoka. In 2020, all organisations supporting victims of domestic violence reported over a 65% increase in calls to free support helplines. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine, and lockdown meant that many families were forced to … Continued

17 December 2020

Polish women in the UK are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence.

The Opoka organisation receives up to 50 calls daily from women experiencing domestic violence. See why Polish women living in the UK are particularly vulnerable to abuse and how Opoka saves lives by offering support, safety, and real help. Read the article

21 November 2020

STOP to violence against women and girls – The ’16 Days’ campaign

The following post is about the ’16 Days’ campaign, which annually raises awareness about the issue of violence against women. Learn how the Opoka organisation in Bristol supports Polish women in the UK and why this campaign is of such great importance. ⬇️ STOP violence against women and girls – the ’16 Days’ campaign.’