Hackney Women's Aid

Hackney Women's Aid (HWA) (1975-fl 2007) established in 1975, was part of the Women's Aid London-wide and national network of women's refuges offering support, advice and temporary emergency accommodation to women with or without children who were experiencing domestic violence. HWA later became the nia project, which also has its own legal support and representation service for women, an information and referral line and advice/caseworkers that support women. They have specialist workers who advocate for and assist women who are affected by gender violence, also those who are involved in street prostitution, helping them to exit. They also work with women who have issues relating to domestic violence and substance misuse. Sinéad O'Connor opened the drop-in centre in Dalston in 1998. In addition, they have Turkish-language advice, refuge and resettlement workers. Nia is a Swahili word that means 'purpose'.