As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, we're reminded of the harsh reality that domestic violence incidents spike during winter months. This sobering fact makes our work more vital than ever, and your support continues to be our strength.

We want to share what we’ve been up to over the past month, celebrate our progress and share all the ways you can support.

Police forces across England and Wales see domestic abuse calls rise by 25% during the Christmas period. Behind this statistic are thousands of Black women facing an impossible choice - endure escalating abuse or risk everything to seek safety during the most isolating time of year.

We at Sistah Space have already started to feel the demand on the increase in need of our services. Unfortunately this is a pattern we see each year.

The perfect storm of factors makes winter particularly dangerous:

For Black women, these challenges are compounded by the systemic barriers our research exposed - 76% don't report abuse even when desperately wanting to, and 97% lack confidence they'll receive fair treatment from authorities.

That's why we're launching an urgent fundraiser to raise £30,000 to bring on a new Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA). This specialist role will ensure that when a woman finds the courage to reach out during these dangerous months, we have the capacity to respond immediately with culturally competent support that could save her life.

Every contribution brings us closer to providing life-saving support when it matters most.

We're proud to be featured in the printed edition of The Voice UK newspaper, where Ngozi spoke passionately about our vision for the UK's first specialist refuge:

"When you walk through our doors, you will see yourself reflected... It is a place where you can have your hair whichever way you want — and no one will ask you any questions."

This powerful statement captures the essence of what makes our services unique - a space where Black women can be their authentic selves while healing from trauma.

Last Friday, our CEO Ngozi Fulani joined BBC Radio London to amplify the voices of Black women survivors and share the critical findings from our "Hidden in Plain Sight" research. Her powerful discussion highlighted the urgent need for culturally competent services and the systemic changes required to ensure Black women receive the support they deserve when seeking safety.

A big thank you to Jacqueline Shepherd and BBC Radio London. Great music, good vibes and uplifting stories from our African and Caribbean communities.

Ngozi delivered a guest lecture at the University of Suffolk, presenting our groundbreaking research report to the next generation of practitioners and researchers.

This academic engagement is crucial for embedding culturally competent approaches into professional training and ensuring future services better meet the needs of Black women survivors.

Our October Mango Morning fundraiser was nothing short of extraordinary! We raised over £850 and witnessed the power of intergenerational dialogue. Our panel discussions explored the future of Black British culture, celebrating our rich history while charting paths to preserve it through oral histories and community projects.

The energy was electric as speakers including Kelechi Okafor, Tianna Johnson, Demetrius and Nikki Fagbemi led conversations that spanned generations - with contributors as young as 14 sharing their perspectives on preserving Black culture.

A heartfelt thank you to every single one of you who showed up, shared your voice, and held space with us. Your energy made the room come alive.

Thank you to Wingstop for sponsoring the food and nourishing our community gathering.

We stand in solidarity with women across South Africa who participated in the national shutdown protesting gender-based violence. Women withdrew from the economy for one full day, with thousands lying down for 15 minutes at noon to honour the 15 women murdered daily in the country.

Following widespread protests and online campaigns, the South African government has officially classified violence against women as a national disaster, acknowledging the "persistent and immediate life-safety risks posed by ongoing acts of violence." This recognition, though long overdue, demonstrates the power of collective action and the urgent need for systemic change globally.

Well done to our sisters in South Africa 💜, we stand with you.

Your continued support enables us to be a lifeline for Black women across the UK. Whether through donations, partnerships, or simply sharing our message, you are part of transforming lives and building a future where every Black woman can access the specialist support she deserves.

Together, we're building sustainable change that will protect and empower our community for generations to come.

With gratitude and solidarity,

The Sistah Space Team