Campaigners call for long-term solution to provide security for Sistah Space

A cross-party campaign supporting specialist domestic violence Sistah Space in a bitter dispute with Hackney Council over its premises is demanding that the Town Hall provide a home for the charity.

Both council and charity had “agreed to move on” from the row back in October after agreeing a temporary licence for two rooms ending in January.

The detente followed a long-running debate which saw the organisation challenge the Town Hall to let them stay in their Hackney Central premises rather than return to their former shopfront, which the domestic violence charity maintained was unsafe.

A petition created by Sistah Space founder Ngozi Fulani reads: “Just as others do, African and Caribbean heritage victims of domestic violence (DV) require and deserve a specialist service which understands their particular needs.

“Too often it is assumed that any organisation or any diverse group under the discriminatory term ‘BAME’ are qualified to speak on behalf of Black women. This is part of the reason why many African and Caribbean heritage women are less likely to seek support when facing DV.

“In addition, the Windrush scandal, mass deportations and the memories of a hostile environment add to the abandonment often felt by Black women. It is therefore essential that specialist charities like Sistah Space are allowed to support Black women and be an advisory and training resource for mainstream agencies.

“This will not be possible if Sistah Space are not supported into a safe and affordable space where black women can see themselves reflected.”

A letter to Hackney Mayor Philip Glanville from the joint Liberal Democrat, Women’s Equality and Green party campaign Save Sistah Space asks for the council to work with Sistah Space to find a new VCS unit to help them move by 17 January of next year.

The letter makes clear that the organisation requires 3,000 square feet of space, four rooms with a kitchenette, accessibility, and easy transport links, pointing out that Sistah Space has been on the waiting list for “suitable, safe” VCS premises for five years.

The council has pointed in the past to its decision to invest in refurbishing Sistah Space’s former shopfront, after the charity had occupied it in what it describes as a “semi-derelict” state for five years.

Sistah Space have long maintained that they would not return there having moved to the Hackney Central site, saying that their former home is unsuitable and unsafe.

Campaigners have pointed to the possibility of converting a commercial unit into a VCS unit, as well as urging the Mayor to review the costs that Sistah Space save the Town Hall through the services they provide, arguing the cost savings of leasing a unit to Sistah Space “would far exceed the monetary value a commercial unit affords the council”.

The letter adds: “We are concerned that the council has failed to assist Sistah Space with finding long-term premises so they can focus on providing essential domestic violence services, rather than having to worry where they will operate from month-to-month especially in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We understand the council wants to treat Sistah Space equitably compared to all other voluntary and charitable organisations regarding the application process for Voluntary and Charity Sector (VCS) units.

“However, we’d like to remind the council that Sistah Space is a specialist service catering for Black and African heritage women, an already disadvantaged group that is entitled to additional support under the Equality Act.

“The application process for VCS premises under the current circumstances would perpetuate disadvantage for the charity and their service users. Therefore, we ask that the council fulfil its Public Service Equality Duty and ensure Sistah Space are offered priority access and new premises be found for when their current lease ends.”

A Hackney Council spokesperson said: “We are clear – domestic abuse is a crime and love shouldn’t hurt. We’re proud, as we always do, to fully support the 16 Days of Activism and call for the elimination of violence against women and girls, and are running events and training with our charities and partners over the next two weeks.

“Following independent mediation, Sistah Space agreed in October to leave temporary premises in Mare Street in January 2021 and start its own search for new premises, after accepting the Council could not guarantee accommodation.

“Both parties also agreed to make no further public comment on this dispute.

“It’s disappointing that less than two months later, Sistah Space has decided to start a new campaign against the council.

“No spaces are currently available, but Sistah Space is free to take part in any competitive process for council buildings as and when they become available – as it did when it successfully secured previous premises at Lower Clapton Road.

“It would be inappropriate and unfair to the many other charities also there to support our diverse and marginalised communities in Hackney if there was not a fair and transparent letting process open to all voluntary and charity sector organisations.

“We hope that all parties appreciate our clear and transparent approach to equalities, ending domestic abuse, tackling racism and supporting the local voluntary and community sector through funding and premises.”

You can find the petition here.