Shigufta Khan

Black and minority ethnic domestic abuse support worker, Blackburn with Darwen Council

From her office at the WISH Centre in Blackburn, Shigufta Khan has helped dozens of women and children escape from being abused in their homes. Shigufta has helped more than 100 women from a hard to reach section of the community who are victims of domestic abuse, honour crimes and forced marriages. She is Blackburn with Darwen's first domestic abuse support worker for black and ethnic minority communities. Shigufta, a mother herself, gives vulnerable women advice and support to help them escape from violent partners or gives them the confidence and self esteem to stand up against the abuse. The number of service users she has helped shows how well she has raised awareness about the issue in this community as well as how well she has engaged with women. She has also devoted a lot of time to training. She has completed a foundation degree in public services in her own time and has completed the co-ordinated action against domestic abuse assessed independent advocacy training. Her role is funded by the Council.