Who we are
About us
At Nottingham Central Women’s Aid, we are here to protect and support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence. Our work is rooted in the belief that abuse stems from power, control, and inequality, and that women and children deserve to be safe, heard, and empowered.
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Based in Nottingham, we welcome referrals from across the country. Many of the families we support have experienced ongoing abuse even after leaving a relationship, including coercive control, stalking, harassment, and the challenges of prolonged court cases. We are a specialist service, working with families who may face multiple disadvantages and helping them to achieve the best outcomes possible.
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Every penny donated to our charity goes directly toward supporting women and children affected by abuse.
Our team
We work to the ethos of Women Supporting Women. Our team includes specialist support staff, dedicated children and young people’s workers, volunteers, and a board of directors who give their time to support our charity.
Many of our team are women with lived experience of domestic abuse, and we actively welcome survivors to join us through our vacancies page. We also value and welcome those who want to give their time as volunteers to make a difference.​​
Our logo and its meaning
Our logo is inspired by the Fihankra symbol, one of the Adinkra symbols of the Akan people in Ghana, West Africa.
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The symbol represents a traditional walled compound — a place of safety, security, and sanctuary. The word Fihankra translates to “house” or “compound,” reminding us of the importance of home as a protective space.
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For us, the Fihankra symbol is deeply meaningful because it reflects our mission:
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Safety – creating a secure haven where women and children are protected from harm.
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Community – fostering belonging, solidarity, and collective support.
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Resilience – offering the strength and stability to rebuild and thrive.
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In essence, the Fihankra reflects what we aim to provide: a safe and nurturing refuge where women and children can heal, regain independence, and find empowerment.
Our history
Central Women’s Aid was first founded in the 1970s. Although we briefly closed in 2011 due to government cuts, we re-opened in January 2012 thanks to tireless campaigning and fundraising. In 2022, we proudly celebrated 10 years of reopening.
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Today, we are an independent registered charity (number 1146410) run by a small team of part-time workers, dedicated volunteers, and a board of directors. We continue to rely heavily on public donations, which allow us to keep our services running and ensure no woman or child faces abuse alone.
Our commitments
We are dedicated to:
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Providing life-saving and life-changing services for women and children.
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Building a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated in any form.
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Creating a society where every individual feels safe and supported.
You can take a look at our policies and statements below:
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