HERSANA was created in 2016 in response to a critical gap in the UK’s support systems where Black femmes too often face systemic barriers, discrimination and disbelief when seeking help after experiencing gender-based violence.
Our name is intentional. SANA is derived from the Latin verb sanare, meaning to heal and is closely associated with being whole, sound and well in mind and body. This reflects the heart of our work: not simply supporting survivors to escape harm but creating the conditions for healing, restoration and long-term wholeness. We believe safety is more than the absence of violence - it is the presence of dignity, autonomy and care.
By centring healing, advocacy and community, we create spaces where Black femmes can access the support they need today, while building the safety, strength and hope needed for tomorrow.
Gender-based violence takes many forms including sexual abuse, female genital mutilation/cutting, domestic abuse, coercive control, misogyny and transphobia. We are committed to addressing and challenging all of these harms. We recognise that leaving or surviving violence is rarely straightforward, particularly when racism, misogynoir, immigration insecurity, poverty or disability intersect with abuse. That is why our work is rooted in safe spaces designed by Black femmes, built for Black femmes and led by Black femmes.
At HERSANA, we take pride in delivering creative, audacious and innovative approaches that support thousands of Black women and girls each year. Our work is intersectional, holistic, gender-specialist, culturally specific and trauma-informed - because true safety and healing must honour the whole person: mind, body and community.
As Bell Hooks reminds us:
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”
