Black History Month is here. This is a time for us to acknowledge the courage and activism of Black history, reflecting on the past and celebrating those who have and are paving the way for the future. The year, the theme is ‘‘Honouring Our Communities.’’ 

Tacking violence against women and girls (VAWG) affects communities differently. For Black communities and organisations this has meant working tirelessly in the face of adversity to support victims and survivors of violence and abuse,  and to stop those causing harm, advocate for change, and raise awareness of the additional barriers faced by Black and minoritised communities.  

This month, we have been speaking to our colleagues at Respect who have Black African and Caribbean backgrounds and heritages, what this means to them and how it impacts or influences their work. Their reflections and stories show how they honour community, supporting us in our vision of creating a world where it is never ok to control, harm or cause fear.   



In conversation with Caroline Bernard, Director of Influence at Respect


What is your role at Respect?  

I’m Respect’s Director of Influence, which was a new role. I joined in March 2022.  

What does this year's Black History Month theme, ‘Honouring Our Communities’, mean to you?  

This theme takes me back to the inspirational Windrush Generation, which included my parents, and my aunts, so it means a lot to me. We honour them on Windrush Day, but they also deserve their flowers during October, as they are a true part of Black History in this country. We need to remind ourselves that we stand on their shoulders; they went through a great deal of hardship to make life easier for us.  

Does this impact the way or how you work in the domestic abuse sector?  

It makes me think about by and for organisations. I am conscious that when women from the Windrush Generation were facing domestic abuse, there were no specialist services available. They often found themselves fleeing to stay with friends, which was not always safe as the perpetrator could very easily track them down. Therefore, many stayed, trapped with the perpetrator because they had nowhere to flee to. So, the impact on me is the awareness of the need for more specialist support for Black victims and survivors, many of which are struggling due to a challenging funding landscape.  

How can we continue to honour our communities at Respect? 

I think by doing things like this – asking colleagues to reflect during these awareness and history months for all of the various groups represented at Respect, we can continue to honour our communities. 

Other organisations supporting Black and minoritised communities...

Bambuuu- an organisation founded by women of colour, specialising in supporting women of colour.

Bawso- providing practical and emotional prevention, protection and support services to Black Minority Ethnic and migrant victims of domestic abuse

Imkaan - addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls.

Imkaan's member organisations across the UK- specialist frontline support organisations across UK. 

Angelou Centre- a safe, confidential place run by and for women from Black and minoritised communities in the North East of England

The P.H.O.E.B.E Centre- offers specialist advice, information, casework, advocacy and support and counselling services to black and ethnic minority women and children in Ipswich. (P.H.O.E.B.E: Promotion of Health, Opportunity, Equality, Benevolence and Empowerment).