Domestic violence charity could fold after losing key contract

Apna Haq, based on Moorgate Road, supports Asian women and their children who experience violence in the home.

Rotherham Borough Council decided to award the funding to Rotherham Rise, formerly Rotherham Women’s Refuge.

Founder Zlakha Ahmed (pictured) said: “If Apna Haq no longer operates as an organisation, 60 per cent of women that we get currently would not feel that they have anywhere that they can go and approach.”

A council spokeswoman said the authority was confident that Rotherham Rise would be able to reach out to vulnerable women across the community.

She added: “Through a full, fair and transparent commissioning process, we have chosen the provider that is best placed to provide specialist housing related support to black and minority ethnic women.

“We appreciate that this is a difficult time for Apna Haq. We are currently exploring a potential future pilot project, which may involve Apna Haq’s services.”