Abianda’s unique expertise in working with young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence supports professionals to deliver a gender-informed and trauma-responsive service to the young women they are working with.

 

Our goal through our gender mainstreaming and consultancy work is to ensure that professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to work effectively with young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence, thereby bringing about a culture shift and ensuring that gender is mainstreamed in 'gang' services. We want young women and their lived experiences to be considered by default in the design and delivery of services related to 'gangs' and county lines, rather than only through referral to gender-specific services.

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We upskill local authorities and communities to:

• better identify and consider young women and girls affected by, or at risk of involvement in 'gangs' and county lines; 

• critically review and analyse cases and systems to support the gender-mainstreaming of provision for young people affected by criminal exploitation and violence;

• increase the capacity of local authorities and partners to better respond to young women and girls affected by, or at risk of involvement in 'gangs' and county lines.

 

Our case consultations are designed to develop professional competency by sharing our practice experience. Case consultations involve working with the practitioner to increase engagement with the young woman and recognise and challenge the usual power dynamics in service provision. We aim to ensure that young women are better connected to services and resources in order to reduce harm.

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We work to become a critical friend to services, with a shared aim of eradicating oppressive practice, safeguarding young women and amplifying their voice in this process. Ultimately, our case consultations will upskill, raise awareness, and support professionals to better provide services to young women and girls through the lens of gender and other intersections of identity.

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Rescue and Response

As part of our Rescue and Response team, our Gender Consultant delivers case consultations to professionals across London. 

 

In addition to the outcomes listed above, she also delivers training across London and works to increase the rates of referrals of young women and girls into the Rescue and Response service.

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Professional Training

We deliver specialist and awareness-raising training to professionals and community members so that young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence are more readily identified and better supported.

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