by Faith Barorot, Bristol Women’s Voice Community Development Worker
As part of the Migrant Women Series, we were honoured to welcome Anna Barnett, Service Operations Manager at OPOKA, to share her incredible journey and the transformative work at OPOKA supporting Polish women and children affected by domestic abuse. Anna’s story is one of immense bravery, resilience, and determination, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the strength migrant women bring to their communities.
Anna’s Journey
Anna’s personal journey began 16 years ago when she fled to the UK with her young daughter to escape domestic abuse, leaving behind her home in Poland with only two suitcases and a one-way ticket. Motivated by the need to break the cycle of abuse for her daughter’s future, Anna rebuilt her life and went on to support other women through her work as a therapist and advocate.
Today, she is a Service Operations Manager at OPOKA, a charity providing essential services such as safe accommodation, a Polish-language helpline, counselling, and advocacy to Polish women and children.
In May 2023, OPOKA opened the first UK-based specialist safe housing for Polish women, a monumental achievement addressing a critical gap in support for Polish speaking survivors.
Cultural and systemic barriers faced by Polish women
During her talk, Anna highlighted the cultural and systemic barriers Polish women face when seeking help. She described how deeply ingrained societal norms in Poland, a predominantly Catholic country, which often stigmatises women who leave abusive relationships. Many women are pressured to endure abuse due to religious expectations or family loyalty.
In addition, Brexit has compounded the challenges Polish women face, with many survivors on pre-settled status unable to access public funds or essential services. Combined with language barriers and a lack of awareness about available resources, these challenges leave many Polish women isolated and vulnerable.
OPOKA’s holistic approach
Anna also spoke about OPOKA’s holistic approach to tackling domestic abuse. The organisation’s range of services such as a helpline, safe house, counselling and advocacy, empower women to rebuild their lives and break free from cycles of violence. By educating communities, providing culturally tailored support, and advocating for systemic change, OPOKA not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also promotes long-term resilience and empowerment.
Anna’s talk left the audience inspired and moved by her unwavering dedication to creating a supportive network for women and children who experience domestic abuse. Her story is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the importance of amplifying the voices of migrant women.
To learn more about OPOKA and support their vital work, visit www.opoka.org.uk or contact Anna Barnet at anna.barnett@opoka.org.uk.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, OPOKA offers a Polish-language helpline and a range of services to help women and children rebuild their lives.
Find our next Migrant Women Talks here.
