Advance London East Women's Centre opening - 25th November 2021

Advance was pleased to host the opening of our new London East Women’s Centre on the 25th November, International day of the Elimination of violence against women.
We came together to reflect on a difficult year, to appreciate the hard work of those who strive for a better society for women and girls and to look to the future at what we all can do to better respond to the needs of women and girls.
We were welcomed by Christine Losecaat, Chair of Advance.
Our Keynote Speaker, Diana Luchford, CEO, MOPAC spoke of the link between women’s offending behaviour and their experience of domestic abuse, the importance of women only, safe spaces and the Mayor’s vision and dedication in improving outcomes for women in contact with the criminal justice system.
Advance CEO, Niki Scordi hosted a conversation with women survivors. They spoke about their experiences of abuse and trauma, and how support within the community impacted their journey and led them to supporting other women. They discussed the importance of safe spaces for young women in the community to address their particular needs.
Members from our partner organisation, Clean Break performed extracts from a piece of work, which invited women from 12 prisons in England and Wales to submit creative writing pieces about prison life, prison during covid-19, women’s voices and hope. A panel reflecting Clean Break’s community then selected a range of pieces which formed an e-book, titled Voices from Prison.