Along with many other Gypsy and Traveller women in the UK, Kathleen was a victim of domestic violence. And a significant number of those women who had reported the abuse appeared to have suffered more severe and sustained violence than those within mainstream communities. She now feels safe because she has male family members living on the same site. It is rare for women to call the police for help. The situation probably isn't helped by the fact that there is only one, room refuge dedicated to Traveller women in the UK, also in London.
But domestic violence is just one of the issues tackled by O'Roarke during her visits. The welfare needs, particularly those of the women and girls, of this community are vast.
The women are three times more likely to miscarry or have a still-born child compared to the rest of the population, mainly, it is thought, as a result of reluctance to undergo routine gynaecological care, and infections linked to poor sanitation and lack of clean water.
The rate of suicides among Traveller women is significantly higher than in the general population, and life expectancy is low for women and men, with one third of Travellers dying before the age of And as many Traveller girls are taken out of education prior to secondary school to prevent them mixing with boys from other cultures, illiteracy rates are high. O'Roarke is a familiar face on the sites around London, offering women and their children help with health care, education and finance.
The men leave the women alone to deal with these issues, so if the women do want to talk about violence and abuse, they can do so without fear of the men overhearing. I visit some trailers with O'Roarke at a site in London and am struck by how the women seem to manage, usually with large families, to keep everything so clean and tidy. There are colourful displays of Royal Crown Derby crockery, handed down from mother to daughter on her wedding day.
There is certainly no sign of wealth or excessive spending. Many tell me they struggle to feed their children, and have no savings or bank account.
Things seem set to get worse for Traveller women. O'Roarke is expecting to be the only Traveller liaison worker in the capital before long — her funding comes from the Irish government. Who is supposed to help them if they get rid of the bit of support they have now? If they get a letter saying they are in danger of eviction but they can't read it, what are they supposed to do?
Conditions on the site are as grim as the homes are spotless. They don't work for anybody else. Even if they're going round getting scrap and doing things like that Hardworking: According to dressmaker, Thelma Madine, Travellers work harder than most.
Extravagant: Larry left gave his eldest daughter Margaret a wedding with eight bridesmaids and guests. I think this gets up people's noses as well because we've become lazy in our society.
We sit there and wait for someone to say: "here's a job". My Big Fat Gypsy Fortune also meets CassyAnne, who spends her time blinging up household goods and selling them on, and her husband Bill, whose dream is to breed dogs to take part in the gypsy pastime of 'lamping', or catching rabbits with dogs. Last but not least is Irish Traveller Larry, who is planning a wedding for his eldest daughter Margaret.
Like the stars of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, Larry is planning a lavish bash for Margaret, complete with eight bridesmaids, guests and a huge white dress. None of this will come cheap, but Larry is determined that his daughter has nothing but the best and says that Travellers have a 'secret way' of financing their larger-than-life nuptials. So what exactly is this secret? You'll have to wait until Sunday night to find out! Lavish: According to Larry, travellers have a 'secret way' of funding extravagant weddings like Margaret's.
Extravagant: Larry plans to give his daughter Margaret a wedding with eight bridesmaids and guests. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
Argos AO. Privacy Policy Feedback. Share this article Share. Comments 74 Share what you think. Your email address will not be published. I love to review hotels, restaurants, places I visit, and write about anything lifestyle in general.
Of course, traveling is my biggest passion, and it brings me SO much happiness! But even more is being able to share my experiences with others, which is why I created this blog. How gypsies make money: 1. Selling products which they buy in bulk Gypsies often sell products which they purchase in bulk for a reduced rate, to travelers. Providing services such as tarot card reading and palm reading services While not all gypsies offer such services, a fair amount of gypsies travel from town to town offering tarot card readings and palm reading services.
Busking Some gypsies make a living by busking on the street. Odd jobs Like other nomadic travelers, many gypsies also provide for themselves and their families by working odd jobs or seasonal jobs.
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