Opoka offers free, safe, and confidential, non-judgmental service for survivors of domestic abuse. This is provided by bilingual professionals. Opoka strives to empower its clients to become more independent and our objectives are to help the most isolated and vulnerable to benefit from greater care, support, and justice and will our support improve their lives and integrate into the society.

Objects of OPOKA Charitable Incorporated Organisation

1. Provide for the relief of women and their children or other persons who have been subject to physical or sexual violence; emotional, economic, financial, or coercive control: stalking; and/or misogynistic or other psychological abuse within an intimate or 'family' relationship ('domestic abuse') throughout the United Kingdom, not limited to:

1. the relief of women and their children or other persons from within the Polish Community in the United Kingdom; 
2. the provision of specialist-supported housing and social housing and any associated amenities. 

2. To advance public education, research, and training on understanding the issues of domestic violence and gender-based violence throughout the United Kingdom.

 Our Trustees

Aneta Mackell, Trustee

Aneta is the founder of Opoka, a culturally specific service for Polish women and their children experiencing domestic violence and abuse in the UK. For the past 11 years, she has worked as a specialist bilingual victim advocate with in-depth knowledge of dealing with domestic violence and sexual abuse cases. She is an accredited bi-lingual specialist in the field of domestic violence and abuse.  She holds a Diploma in Domestic Violence Prevention and Early Intervention and has proven experience in developing and managing specialist services. Aneta has the ability to offer safe and effective support when intervening in domestic violence situations to prevent further development of domestic violence situations. She has developed in a variety of roles within the Victim Support and Domestic Abuse sector such as specialist IDVA ISVA, DV Outreach, and Young Persons Violence Advisor, bringing a range of skills and knowledge that are essential for any professional offering emotional support and information to victims of violence and abuse. Her latest project is Safe Houses with specialist and structured support for Polish women and their children, which she launched on 26 May 2023.

Sylwia Jatczak, Chair

Is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, currently working at a regional law firm, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, dealing with all aspects of property litigation. Before her career in law, Sylwia worked for Avon and Somerset Constabulary supporting the most vulnerable victims of crimes and guiding them through the criminal justice system. Sylwia's main focus in that role was centered around assisting men and women affected by domestic abuse and safeguarding their children from the impact they were likely to suffer.  Sylwia also has experience in family law, including obtaining Non-Molestation Orders, Child Arrangements Orders, and divorce proceedings. Sylwia has been supporting Opoka since 2013. 

Joanna Szuryn, Trustee   

Joanna has worked in the field of Gender-Based Violence in the UK for over a decade and brings in unique expertise in designing, delivering, and leading interventions for families experiencing domestic abuse and perpetrators. Joanna is a qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor and a Domestic Homicide Review Chair. Joanna holds level 2 certification in Narrative Practice and has trained to deliver the Recovery Toolkit Programmes. Joanna also is an experienced educator and a Certified Safe and Together Trainer. Joanna's previous professional background is in teaching, training, and international business development. Joanna is a passionate advocate for the rights of all women and children and believes that by working together we will eradicate domestic abuse in our lifetime. As a Trustee of Opoka Joanna is proud to champion the right of Polish women and children living in the UK to safety, freedom from abuse, and happiness. 

Aneta Wrzos-Porada, Trustee

Entrepreneur, financier by education, the soul of an artist by vocation. Privately a proud mother raising independently three wonderful children. Networking specialist in the health industry, combined with personal development and business has taught her to look at life from a different perspective and with more joy. Through the health industry, Aneta has become passionate about self-development and travel. Aneta loves to help others and believes that good deeds come back to those who do good to others. Aneta helps others achieve their dreams and build a better future. She is creating a community of independent individuals striving for health, happiness, and lifestyle change. Aneta completed Opoka’s recovery programs from domestic abuse and now she feels very passionate about helping other women escape from the hostile environment.