Every donation will make a difference to women in need around the world.

At Women at Risk we focus our work on two distinct themes: Ending Violence Against Women and Promoting Safe Motherhood.

• Violence against women is so widespread that 1 in 3 women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. (Heise, Ellsberg and Gottemoeller)
• One woman dies every minute from childbirth complications; another 20 will suffer severe and possibly lifelong injuries. (W.H.O, UNICEF and UNFPA)

Acid Violence

Acid violence is where corrosive acid is thrown in the victim's face. The acid is so strong that it dissolves skin and flesh, it can even destroy bone. If the acid reaches the eyes it can cause irreparable destruction and blindness. Whilst acid violence is a fairly new problem the underlying causes are longstanding and fundamental to the gender inequalities around the world. The victims of acid attacks have to live with the shame of disfiguration and alienation from society. Apart from offering immediate surgery and medical aid, we help give women their confidence back and teach them new skills in order to survive independently

Domestic Violence

Anyone forced to alter their behaviour because they are frightened of their partner's reaction is being abused. Domestic violence can happen to anyone. Two women die in England and Wales at the hands of their abusive partners (or ex-partners) every week. Domestic violence begins because of the abuser's desire for power and control. It continues because the abusers are allowed to get away with it. We are working to stop this abuse, and to help women in need to gain entry into a protected refuge.

Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation involves the cutting out of the genitals of young girls. Young and impressionable girls consent to the harmful traditional practice, believing that this is a rite to womanhood and acceptance into society. The practice will often lead to psychological traumas, infections, inability to enjoy intercourse. It can also cause severe problems during childbirth. It also increases the likelihood of becoming HIV positive. We are helping these women stand up for themselves and support them to campaign against this practice.

Migrant Slave Workers

Domestic workers come to the UK from all parts of the world in search for a better life. However, some women are trapped in slave-like conditions. They end up working for employers that abuse them, give them little or no pay without any days off. Many of these women are imprisoned in the home by the employers and treated little better than slaves. We give these women the tools to escape, help them find new employment and even retrieve their passports from their former employers when necessary.

Fistula Centre

Obstetric Fistula is a condition where a hole develops between the birth canal and the bladder due to obstructed labour. Women suffering from fistula around the world have little or no possibility of receiving the skilled surgery needed to end their chronic incontinence. We are working to ensure that women suffering from fistula are properly treated. The patients are also taught basic reading and writing skills and most women leave at least being able to write their own names.

They are able to return to their villages as reborn and stronger women.

Maternal Mortality

For many women in developing countries, giving birth means risking their lives. They are without trained midwives, sterile tools or any possibility of receiving help if complications occur. We are working to train midwives and local childbirth attendants in developing countries in order to minimise the risk of a mother dying in childbirth. Education is important because knowing what is normal is the most efficient way to limit maternal deaths.

If you would like to know more about the work we do, please contact us at:

Women at Risk

PO Box 31055

London

SW1X 9WD

Telephone: 0207 201 9982

Fax: 0207 201 9988

Email: women.risk@reed.co.uk