Considering intersectionality of need
Intersectionality is the interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class and gender creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
It takes into account all and any protected characteristics, including: sexuality, disability, religion, culture, education and class.
Shanni-Eve, Mental Health Support Work at Blyth Street, and Diversity Champion, says: “I’ve always been interested in seeing people for the individual value they bring and learning from their diverse knowledge and experiences.
"Intersectionality has always fascinated me because it enlightens us on how aspects of individuals’ identities can create unique combinations of disadvantage and privilege, and shape the way we each experience the world around us.”
Why it matters?
At NCHA we believe that no one falls into one neat category, and that the support and services we deliver must be tailored to each person’s unique set of needs.
At Umuada, our domestic abuse refuge in Nottingham, they have created a unique set up to support specific religious needs of women and children fleeing abuse.
The building offers a multi-faith prayer room set up with separate anteroom (wash room), prayer mat, and religious texts including the Quran, Bible and Gita. And one of the refuge’s shared kitchens operates exclusively halal.
It’s a great example of offering a tailored service to meet multiple needs.
NCHA’s intersectional approach to domestic abuse services:
- As a member of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance we follow a clear set of principles on how we recognise and respond to domestic abuse, including recognising intersectionality.
- Our Domestic Abuse Support Coordinator and Your Community Coordinators are trained in intersectional awareness.
- Our Domestic Abuse Policy [PDF] recognises the importance of working in collaboration with culturally specific services.
Find out more on the domestic abuse services we deliver and the support we offer to customers.
