A Liverpool woman who spent her career helping domestic abuse survivors has been honoured.
Tola Oshodi 65, a family support worker at Amadudu women's refuge for 21 years is due to retire this year. Amadudu wants Tola to get the recognition she deserves after being a trusted and valued member of staff for so long.
The specialist centre is the only refuge in the Liverpool city region prioritising and catering for Black and minority women and children fleeing domestic violence - although all women can access support there. Amadudu; a Nigerian word meaning 'of colour', opened its doors on International Women's Day March 8, 1992.
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Tola said: "It impacts me when you see women and children traumatised by the experience they’ve been through. When you follow their journey from when they arrive to when they move to their new home to start a new life it’s the most rewarding experience, especially being a survivor myself, I can relate from my lived experience.
"The manager from the Liverpool City Council (where I worked as a playworker) was approached by Amadudu for me to do a placement for their summer playscheme. When the post came up in May 2002 I applied and was successful.
Tola added: "One of the most traumatic cases was when a 20-year old woman came to us from hospital after an attempted murder."
Amadudu was formed by a grassroots group of Black women who used to meet at a health project in Toxteth. They commissioned research which proved the need for Amadudu as many women and people they knew who were experiencing abuse had no support and were fearful to report to the police or other agencies.
The report found mainstream refuges did not provide for the cultural needs of women from Black communities, and those who did access them experienced racism and discrimination. This led to Amadudu eventually getting its own purpose built unit.
Tola said: "We can only cater for six families which is heartbreaking when we receive phone calls every day from agencies and self-referrals looking for space. If you’re experiencing domestic abuse don’t sit in silence, there is support available and organisations who can help.
"Amadudu have staff who are qualified, have vast knowledge in all aspects of domestic abuse. This includes: adult and child abuse, health and safety, advice on benefits, children’s needs, finding a new school or nursery and registering with local GP or dentist etc".
Chair of Amadudu, Beverley Williams said: "We’ve continued to procure new funding from the Local Authority as they recognise the need to continue refuge specialist services for women and children from Black and diverse communities who have complex needs alongside experiences of domestic abuse. Women and children have had real traumatic experiences before coming into refuge.
“Amadudu works to ensure families are safe and supported in their healing process before moving on to new lives free from abuse”.
Residents have their own apartments, no shared facilities. They're near community amenities, places of worship, cultural food shops, diverse schools and women's groups who welcome women from diverse backgrounds.
Amadudu states the city council reported between October 2021 and September 2022, Merseyside Police were called to 14,935 domestic abuse incidents, averaging 1,245 per month. Liverpool's first female mayor Joanne Anderson launched a new Violence Against Women and Girls strategy in 2022 stating it had the "power to be transformative for thousands of women and girls across Liverpool". Amadudu was involved in helping to shape that strategy.
Beverley added: “Tola is dedicated and has years of experience and knowledge around children's needs. She knows the job inside out, and is a key member of the team.
“The next person has got big shoes to fill so future families continue to benefit from a quality service.”
Tola continued: "If someone is wanting to do this work, I'd explain how much of a difference the work we do benefits the families to move on and become independent and have a better understanding of domestic abuse. You need to have empathy and be non-judgmental. You need to be aware of the effects of domestic abuse on women and children from diverse backgrounds".
Discussion is not easy for service users having to relive their experiences, but one resident said: "Me and my children were in another support place outside of Liverpool. They did not cater for our needs, we are a Muslim family. Amadudu welcomed us.
"Myself and children feel really safe and they catered for our needs. Staff are friendly and very supportive”.
Another added: "I appreciate everything you have done for me and my son. Also, you have taught me a lot of tricks to calm my son."
Women can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on: 0808 2000 247 and for information visit Amadudu HERE.
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