CARING FOR WOMEN
Patricia Caring with Children in Brazil with The Caring Family Foundation. Ahead of International Women’s Day, we speak to Patricia Caring and Katie Beeching of the Caring Family Foundation, about supporting women at home and abroad, setting up domestic abuse centres and inspiring inclusion.
3 min read
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE DOMESTIC ABUSE CENTRE?
When I launched the domestic abuse centre in Brazil, on one of my first visits, I met women who had suffered mental and physical abuse, some of them for years and most of their entire lives. I was deeply moved by these women and how they could face the world when they are facing sadness and brutality. It sparked an instant connection with them and I wanted to embrace and support them. Over the past few years, I’ve seen them develop so much and when I returned in 2023, they were stronger and more confident. The transformation was so clear to see, and I cannot tell you how proud of them I am. A lot of them now find themselves back in the workforce and some of them have even opened their own business. They can now look at themselves in the mirror, have the chance to support their children and care for themselves. Many of them took the very hard decision to leave their abuser and create a life for themselves, so I can proudly say that the Caring Family Foundation has transformed many lives and for me, it’s one of the biggest achievements that will remain with me forever.
IS THE WORK IN BRAZIL GOING AS WELL AS THE WORK IN THE UK?
I would say that when it comes to these countries, they both need a lot of help. It is shocking to learn about the levels of poverty in the UK and how many children suffer from food insecurity and in Brazil, it is much more visible. In a way, they both have the same needs. When it comes to domestic abuse, we know that no matter what part of the world you are in, women are still experiencing this, though in some areas like the UK, it can be hidden and it’s more widespread than we realise. That’s why the dream of opening a domestic abuse centre in the UK is vital so that we can help to transform women’s lives in the same way we are doing in Brazil. Even when it comes to reforestation, there are places in the UK that lack support and funding – it’s not just limited to the big rainforests in the world, so we are also looking at ways we can raise awareness.
