Domestic violence Archives

2 June 2024

Break the silence, call for help!

Domestic violence often takes place behind closed doors, and its effects are serious and long-lasting. Victims who remain silent may struggle with emotional difficulties, anxiety, or depression. They often don’t know where to seek help and feel powerless. It’s important to break the silence and reach out for support. Remember, you don’t have to go … Continued

19 May 2024

Domestic violence and its impact on children

Domestic violence is unfortunately a growing issue affecting an increasing number of families. Many people don’t realise the significant impact it has on children. Children raised in such an environment often face emotional difficulties that can have long-lasting effects on their development. Traumatic experiences, fear, and a sense of danger – all of these leave … Continued

29 April 2024

Have you also experienced Monica’s nightmare? You can change this!

https://youtu.be/5kf7JFs_SwM Monika is one of many women who have lived in silence, fear, and a sense of powerlessness for years. Unfortunately, her story is still a reality for hundreds of Polish women living in the UK. But you don’t have to be alone. As Opoka, we have been helping women like Monika for years – … Continued

28 April 2024

Information about our helpline

Our confidential helpline operates from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. However, we only answer calls on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Outside these hours, we handle other aspects of support, such as returning calls, responding to urgent messages, and collaborating with other professionals. Important! Our helpline … Continued

23 January 2024

DPCC Claire Hiscott visited Opoka

On Tuesday (January 23), Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) Claire Hiscott visited the Opoka team and trustees.

12 October 2023

Therapeutic program for children affected by domestic violence in the family environment

Opoka is an accredited facility that can provide this fantastic program for your children. We have a dedicated children and youth advisor who is also accredited to run the “Joint Healing” program. This program aims to help children who witness or experience domestic violence at home. It is part of a new initiative by Opoka … Continued

22 July 2023

We need your help!

We are looking for additional volunteers to help operate our helpline on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. If you are an empathetic person and can dedicate at least 3 hours per week, we warmly invite you to join our team of volunteers who provide emotional support to women experiencing domestic … Continued

12 July 2023

Accreditation of the National Quality Standard for the support and assistance provided by Opoka to Polish women and their children experiencing domestic violence.

On 12th July 2023 in Birmingham During the Women’s Aid National Conference 2023 “Transforming the Future for Survivors Together,” the Women’s Aid Federation of England awarded OPOKA the National Quality Standard Award! It was a fantastic event, and we are honoured to be part of this incredible sisterhood! In the photo below, representatives from OPOKA … 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