Opoka Archives

10 April 2025

Create your own safety plan. Start your journey to a safer place.

A safety plan is a personalised, practical strategy designed to improve your safety while experiencing abuse, to help you prepare for leaving an abusive situation, or to support you after you have left. This plan contains key information tailored to your unique circumstances and will help you prepare for and respond to different scenarios. It … Continued

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

24 February 2024

Freedom Program

The next edition of the Freedom Programme begins on March 4th. This is a 12-week program designed for women who have experienced long-term domestic violence. The course is led by accredited Polish-speaking specialists.

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

2 October 2023

Training sessions on information and awareness for future volunteers

Would you like to learn more about volunteer roles at Opoka and how to access professional training that will help you better recognise and understand domestic violence and abuse? Our specially designed training sessions will assist you in recognising domestic violence and understanding what to do if you have concerns about someone in danger. If … 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

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

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