Partnerships: Newham Council People Powered Places, Islamic Relief UK and Newham Safer Neighbourhoods Board
The Imra’a – Here I Stand, Here I Stay project, emerged as a community-led effort to address violence and sexual crimes in the London Borough of Newham. Initially, there was uncertainty about the project’s trajectory, but it quickly gained significant traction, engaging over 200 community members within a few months.
The core aim of Imra’a is to provide localised solutions through place-based prevention and localised solutions strategies. It gathers vital community intelligence to understand and address concerns raised by the community. Regular community-led meetings offer a safe space for participants to discuss issues related to violence and sexual offences without judgment or recording, fostering open and honest dialogue. These discussions have identified domestic abuse as a primary concern, shaping the project’s direction.
Recognising the complexities of addressing domestic abuse, the project developed a phased strategy to support victims, survivors, and those in the healing process. In the victim phase, individuals are directed to relevant services for immediate support. During the survivor phase, the project assesses additional needs such as counselling, legal aid, or housing assistance. Trauma-informed and mental wellbeing practitioners and ASIST-trained members are available for immediate safety concerns within the programme. For those in the healing phase, the project provides long-term support systems and educational workshops focused on recovery and personal development. This approach is informed by an understanding of trauma recovery stages and the grief process, ensuring tailored interventions.
The project also addresses gaps in support following the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which acknowledges children as indirect victims. Monthly cultural awareness workshops and an empowering leadership course were developed in response to community feedback on the need for cultural sensitivity and confidence-building. Educational programs, including workshops to empower children and developing a Stay Safe workshop, are integral components of the initiative.
Partnerships with the University of East London, International Centre for Policing, Innovation, Enterprise and Learning, Newham University Hospital and the Metropolitan Police’s ADDER project further enhance the project’s scope. Antenatal and postnatal training sessions address violence-related issues, while addiction-related violence training provides practical strategies for prevention and support. Monthly expert panel meetings bring together professionals to develop comprehensive crime reduction strategies. Additionally, the project contributes to the International Centre for Policing’s Knife Crime Programme by offering workshops and narrative therapy sessions. Imra’a is supported by many prominent figures in London. Adhering to its initial objectives, the project remains community-led, with significant outcomes stemming from ongoing conversations. These meetings occur fortnightly at various venues, maintaining a strong emphasis on education and awareness. By empowering residents and fostering a sense of ownership, the project aims to reduce violence and sexual crimes, ultimately enhancing community safety and well-being in Newham.
