The Bangle Foundation is a domestic abuse support service primarily for women of South Asian heritage. We are unfunded and voluntary and rely on the support of our communities to continue this vital work in providing support to women in abusive situations.
Our domestic abuse service was established in 2014 by Yasmin Khan, a well-known community activist. She saw the need to provide culturally appropriate services for women experiencing domestic abuse within South Asian communities – this first started with the launch of our poster awareness campaign, which went on to gain national recognition. Our current office was then established in 2015 in Acacia Ridge, Brisbane; however, with evolving technologies and the vast access to social media, we find that we can also provide support, services and advice to women from all over Australia and overseas.
We are contactable 24 hours a day, seven days a week through WhatsApp, Messenger, Twitter, or phone – or you can also visit our office in Brisbane during business hours.
Helpline:
The Bangle Foundation offers a confidential and toll-free number 1800 Bangle (1800 226 453), which enables individuals, particularly those who have South Asian heritage who are victims of domestic abuse, to speak to one of our sensitive and knowledgeable advocates.
We provide culturally responsive crisis intervention, danger assessment, safety planning, immediate assistance with basic needs, peer counselling, and referrals, among other essential services.
Individuals are encouraged to call in not only if they are experiencing physical or verbal abuse but also if they are experiencing other forms of suppression such as isolation, financial abuse, mental abuse, familial pressures and anxiety.
Safety Planning:
A safety plan is a personalised, practical plan to improve your safety while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave an abusive situation, or after you leave. This plan includes vital information tailored to your unique situation. It will help you prepare for and respond to different scenarios, including telling your friends and family about your situation, coping with emotions, and various resources suited to your circumstances.
Contact us to have one of our highly-trained advocates help you prepare your personalised safety plan.
Legal Advocacy:
Our legal advocacy program counsels survivors on legal options and issues related to their specific situation. Our legal services include preparing legal documents, information for navigating the legal system, attorney referrals, and court accompaniments.
Policy Advocacy:
The Bangle Foundation engages in bringing about structural and procedural changes within the system through policy advocacy to serve the needs of survivors better and collaborates with national, state-wide and local agencies in this effort.
