JUNO Women's Aid

JUNO Women's Aid is a UK nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting women and children who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. It operates primarily across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, specifically in areas such as Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling, Nottingham City, and Rushcliffe[1][2].

History

JUNO Women's Aid was formerly known as Women's Aid Integrated Services (WAIS)[5]. Over time, it has evolved to become one of the largest domestic abuse organisations in the UK, focusing on empowering women, children, and teenagers to live free from abuse[1][2].

Mission and Services

The organisation's mission is to provide safety, support, and empowerment to those affected by domestic abuse. This includes not only physical or emotional abuse but also financial abuse, which can leave individuals feeling trapped and powerless[1]. JUNO Women's Aid operates a 24-hour freephone helpline to ensure accessible support at all times[3].

Projects and Initiatives

One of JUNO Women's Aid's notable projects is its pet fostering initiative. This program helps women fleeing abusive relationships by finding temporary foster homes for their pets, as many refuges and hostels have policies against accommodating animals. The initiative seeks to address the barrier that pets can pose for women seeking to leave abusive situations, as abusers may threaten to harm the pets if the women leave[4].

Governance and Structure

JUNO Women's Aid is structured with a team of employees, trustees, and volunteers working together to achieve its objectives. It employs 98 staff members and is overseen by 12 trustees, with additional support from 45 volunteers[3].

Impact and Contributions

By offering comprehensive support services and innovative projects like the pet fostering initiative, JUNO Women's Aid makes significant contributions to helping women and children escape and recover from domestic abuse. The organisation relies on donations, volunteer efforts, and awareness-raising activities to sustain its work[1].

[1] https://junowomensaid.org.uk [2] https://junowomensaid.org.uk/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1094012&subid=0 [4] https://www.ncdv.org.uk/agencies/juno-womens-aid/ [5] https://www.devex.com/organizations/juno-women-s-aid-formerly-women-s-aid-integrated-services-wais-136859