In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, which ruled that the legal definition of a woman, according to the Equality Act 2010, is based on biological sex, we want to send love to our trans siblings, and to reassure our community that how we deliver our services, and who we deliver our services to remains exactly the same.
At Oasis, we have always stood alongside anyone who identifies as a woman – and we are here for all survivors of domestic abuse, regardless of gender identity.
Our priority is the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every person who comes to us in need of a helping hand to escape and heal from domestic abuse.
The service we provide is compassionate, confidential, trauma-informed and tailored to the needs of every individual, no matter who they are.
Claire Williams, CEO at Oasis Domestic Abuse Service said:
“In our work, we see the real impact of exclusion, stigma, and discrimination and we know that trans individuals are disproportionately affected by abuse, with limited safe options and support available to them.
At Oasis, we do not discriminate in any shape or form. We recognise that working with trans individuals can bring complexities and challenges, just as it can with anyone else facing trauma or harm. But our role and our responsibility is to think outside the box, remain client-focused, and do everything in our power to ensure safety and dignity for all.
As ever we recognise and fully support the experiences of cis women, who continue to face high and increasing levels of domestic abuse. Our commitment to them has not changed. But supporting one group should never mean excluding another.
We moved to a dispersed housing model with this exact vision in mind, to make sure we can respond flexibly, compassionately, and effectively to all people at risk of harm. That includes women, men, trans individuals, and anyone else in need of our support.
The Supreme Court ruling will no doubt spark debate, but I want to be clear about where we stand. We will continue to be a place where every survivor can feel seen, heard, and safe and I am proud to lead an organisation that refuses to leave anyone behind.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence behind closed doors, please call our helpline on 0800 917 9948 for guidance and advice, or visit our page with more information on the support that’s available to you. You’re not alone.