Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Communities
Domestic Abuse and Poor Outcomes in Gypsy, Roma & Traveller (GRT) Communities
Our GRT community encounter the poorest outcomes when faced with domestic abuse, as often members of the community do not want to report incidents, or they are prohibited by their community in speaking out. This leads to inaccurate data reporting and difficulty in identifying the true extent of the domestic abuse being suffered.
Domestic abuse occurs in all communities and cultures and not just within GRT families. However, it is a subject not often talked about within the GRT community, which does not help the victims to speak out.
Within many GRT families, it is not always possible for a female to seek support or help from her immediate friends, family, and acquaintances, as there can be a backlash effect on them for reporting abuse, or if they speak out, they are often ostracised and labelled to prevent them forging new relationships.
Some men are victims of abuse too. Men in the GRT community maybe embarrassed, fearful or unable to report domestic abuse.
Useful Resources
A Good Practice Guide
In February 2022, The Traveller Movement produced 'A Good Practice Guide: Improving service provision for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller domestic abuse survivors'. This report outlines good practice and the main barriers to engagement with domestic abuse services for GRT survivors of domestic abuse.
Healthy Relationships Toolkit
The Traveller Movement have produced a Healthy Relationships Toolkit to help young people spot the warning signs of abuse and know their rights in a relationship.
Gate Herts
Gate Herts mission is to build a sustainable organisation that provides leadership both locally and nationally in addressing the disadvantage and discrimination that GRT communities experience. GATE Herts will support and empower GRT communities to bring about this change.
Friends Families and Travellers (FFT)
FFT work on behalf of all Gypsies, Travellers and Roma regardless of ethnicity, culture, or background.
They seek to end racism and discrimination against Gypsies, Travellers and Roma and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life.
FFT provide advice and consultancy, promote health and wellbeing, contribute to research and policy making, deliver training and much more.