27/09/2026
BARriers to Safety 2026 | Edinburgh
Why are women from Black, migrant and minoritised communities less likely to report Gender-Based Violence (GBV) or seek support?
This November, we are bringing together community leaders, researchers, public services, policymakers and people with lived experience to explore the barriers that can make reporting abuse and accessing safety difficult.
Greyfriars Charteris Centre, Edinburgh
Thursday 12 November 2026
Barriers to Safety 2026 – National Summit on Underreporting of Gender-Based Violence in Scotland, hosted by Fantanka Diaspora, is an inaugural national summit focused on understanding the experiences of minoritised women and examining how we can create safer, more accessible routes to support.
The summit will explore:
🔹 Domestic abuse and sexual violence
🔹 Female ge***al mutilation (FGM)
🔹 Migration, culture and systems
🔹 Barriers to disclosure and reporting
🔹 Experiences of Black, migrant and minoritised women
🔹 The role of public services, policing, education and local government
🔹 How community organisations and policymakers can strengthen pathways to safety
The programme continues on Friday 13 November with:
Roots Conversation: What Do We Keep, What Do We Change?
An evening dedicated to community voices, reflection, connection and celebration, exploring the beliefs, practices and experiences that shape how gender-based violence is understood and addressed within our communities.
The evening will include food, culture, a gala and awards ceremony, celebrating individuals and community members who are making a positive difference.
Day One brings the evidence, research, policy and systems into the room. Day Two brings community voices, lived experience and collective reflection.
Together, these two days create an opportunity to listen, learn, connect and work towards safer routes to support for women and communities across Scotland.
12 November 2026 – National Summit
13 November 2026 – Roots Conversation, Gala & Awards
📍 Edinburgh
This is a conversation we need to have. And every voice matters.
