Q&A with Sistah Space
Black domestic violence sufferers are systemically underserved, we spoke to the organisation working to change that
In 2015, following the devastating murder of Valerie Forde and her 22-month-old daughter, 'Baby RJ’, at the hands of her abusive ex-partner, Ngozi Fulani founded Sistah Space. What began as a response to a heartbreaking loss has since blossomed into a lifeline for women of African and Caribbean descent who have survived domestic abuse. Over the past decade, Sistah Space has grown into a powerful beacon of hope, offering not just a safe space, but a profound sense of empowerment and belonging, culturally tailored support for those who need it most. On the morning of our interview, Rose Lewis, an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA), had already dealt with an emergency. As a result, our conversation would be with two members of the team rather than the group I had initially expected. "Domestic violence doesn’t have a schedule," Rose reminded me. A sobering remark that would characterise the gravity of the matter at hand..
The community hub and shop in Dalston, where Sistah Space operates from has a homely and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the day a range of different faces, reflecting the community of East London, popped up by the front window to help themselves to free bread rolls. Despite the high stakes situations that characterise the space, the warm incense and soft R&B in the background created a serene backdrop as I sat down with Rose to ask about the unique challenges faced by Black women in the UK when it comes to domestic violence. As an IDVA, she has seen firsthand the way race plays a pivotal role in how Black women are treated within both the police and the broader support system.
"Black women have to navigate so much more than just the abuse itself," Rose explained. "There’s the racial stigma, the cultural assumptions, and the often underwhelming or dismissive responses from authorities. The system tends to blame the victim, especially in Black communities, and that silence often amplifies their suffering." Rose emphasised the importance of understanding not just the violence, but the context in which it occurs. "It’s about more than just offering support," she said. "It’s about offering support that makes sense to them, that acknowledges their lived experiences, and understands the complex layers of culture, race, and even immigration status."
It wasn’t long into my conversation with Rose that she stepped out to tend to the latest women seeking help, an older lady who knocked on the door, speaking in a thick Nigerian accent. Her presence acted as a perfect segue for us to delve further into the conversation about cultural competency, and how domestic abuse often went unrecognised in older generations. Rose pointed to a lack of awareness within the legal and health sectors about these intersections, often leaving black women to fend for themselves in a system that isn’t built for them. This is where the introduction of Valerie’s Law comes in, as mentioned in the beginning of the piece, this case inspired the founding of Sistah Space and part of their initial work as a charity they worked on a policy to make sure no other women would suffer the same fate.
"Valerie's Law is crucial," Rose noted. "It ensures that the people working with Black women in crisis have the cultural competency to support them appropriately." This included police, teachers, hospitals, and social workers. However, Rose highlighted that despite its importance, the law has faced resistance from the government, who continue to underfund grassroots organisations like Sistah Space. Rose voiced her frustration about how the government’s approach to addressing domestic violence often feels like a band-aid over a gaping wound. "They need to actually address its root causes," she said. "We need more funding that goes directly to organisations that are doing the real work on the ground." After some final make-up touch ups Savannah, who has a background in Law, explained how her legal expertise influences her work in helping survivors of domestic abuse. Her day is filled with appointments, case follow-ups, and endless calls to organisations, trying to find the right resources for service users, especially those outside of London, where support can be scarce.
"I went from commercial law to this role, and I can tell you now, the law isn’t always an ally for these women," Savannah explains. "Many of the survivors we help can’t afford legal representation, and legal aid is notoriously difficult to navigate. My job is to help them understand what’s available and what they’re up against in the system." Despite facing these challenges, Savannah finds great fulfilment in her work. She reflected on the way Sistah Space’s work goes beyond just domestic violence, also addressing broader issues such as housing insecurity and institutional racism. "We’re not just here to offer advice on abuse," she said. "We’re here to provide a whole support network that empowers these women to rebuild their lives." Cultural understanding is vital when supporting victims of domestic abuse, particularly when they’re relocated to areas that may not cater to their cultural needs like access to familiar food, community, or even Black cosmetic products can exacerbate feelings of isolation. Domestic violence often works by creating dependency and severing ties with support networks, making the process of rebuilding a life away from the abuser even more challenging. Rose stresses that tailored, culturally sensitive care is essential for empowering victims to reclaim their identity and stability. One of the most poignant points Savannah made was the importance of self-care in this line of work. She admitted that managing the emotional weight of hearing countless stories of trauma can be overwhelming, but finding outlets, whether through hobbies or informal support from colleagues, is essential. "I have to know my emotional limits. If I’m not in a good place to support someone, I need to set that boundary"
2025 marks Sistah Space’s 10th anniversary, a milestone that both Rose and Savannah reflected on with pride and determination. "It’s incredible to see the impact we’ve had, but there’s still so much to do," Rose shared. Following up this, I asked Rose what she would like readers to take away about the work of Sistah Space and gender-based abuse. "Believe somebody that tells you that they are going through it" she urged, emphasising that offering support requires sensitivity and understanding. Rose explained that every survivor’s journey is unique, with their emotional, psychological, and financial well-being often deeply affected. "Take time with them," she said, "Check on them, don’t over-push, and remember that everybody is different" Compassion and empathy are key to creating a safe space for survivors to heal at their own pace, knowing they are believed and supported.
Rose mentioned that a core part of the way they work at Sistah Space is to celebrate wins of all sizes with their service users. Whether that is a victim leaving their abuser, opening their own bank account or getting access to Universal Credit, these examples show that realities of getting help aren’t always flashy, but could just be a helping hand towards someone feeling human. As the interview concluded, I reflected on the powerful stories of resilience I had heard from both Rose and Savannah. Their unwavering commitment to supporting black women in crisis is a testament to the importance of grassroots, community-driven organisations. In a world where many voices go unheard, Sistah Space is a beacon of hope, offering a safe space for women (as well as many others) who need to be seen and heard.
Learn more about Sistah Space and donate here
Interviewees: Rose Lewis and Savannah Fuller
Article by Cheyanne Bryan
Make-up by Xoyadoes it all
Photography by Martyn Ewoma
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