Young girl works for nothing.

youtube!

I hope this is the correct forum and if so I would appreciate some advice.

I work with several people all really sound and honest, one of the gang is a Roma gypsy. She has been with the company for almost a year now and she just always gets on with her work in a very diligent manner. She is really quiet and doesn't interact as much with anyone socially after work but she really is a very nice girl.

Now I know some will think because she from this minority that she cannot be trusted but this cannot be further from the truth, she works the tills and there has never been an issue, she is also quite well educated I think.


Anyway it turns out that all this time she has been working she is forced to hand over all her wages to a senior gypsy figure within the apartment she resides in. She shares a 2 bed apt with 6 others and apparently any of them who work are forced to do the same. She has to ask for an allowance for the most basic of supplies. She is with her boyfriend and he works and has to do the same. When she asked him if he would break away with her he told her no way and she must stay.

Apparently it is just the way it is in the Roma community, all the money goes to the Patriarch of the household who drinks and gambles it away,disgusting.

She told us what she wants more than anything is to break away from the others and live an independent life, she is prevented from even cutting her own hair or doing anything really.

She is in a trap, she cannot move out as she has nowhere to go, God love her she asked us if she could rent a room in one of our houses but nobody is in a position to offer her one. If I could I would. She just needs a few weeks of keeping her own money and then she is in a position to rent a room.

I just feel really bad for her because as I say she is a damn hard worker and to think she has nothing to show for it.

I know some of you think it could be a scam especially because of her background but I have worked with her for close on a year and she just wants out, she never asked us for a loan or mentioned money.

I was wondering if she has any options? Could she for example go into a women's refuge or shelter? I thought at first she should go to the Garda because it's kind of like extortion but she will not do that. Advice much appreciated .

retro:electro

I know where you're coming from op and as sad as it sounds it's just their culture. I'd be reluctant to get involved if I were you. You may make suggestions to her about refuges etc but don't take it any further than that. It's none of your business what she does with her money or why, as harsh as that may be to say.

This probably isn't the best advice, but, you're all better off not getting involved and especially not putting her up in any of your houses. Nothing against her community, but because of the risks that could be associated with it. Has she looked into the possibility of staying in a woman's shelter? Emergency accommodation?

ElleEm

Homeless services are under so much pressure at the minute so even if she could get a bed somewhere, it would likely be in a hostel. These hostels are mostly used by people with alcohol, mental health or drug issues. How old is this girl?

patsypantaloni

Maybe suggest she contacts either Pavee Point or Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland for confidential advice?

youtube!

Lots of good advice from all thank you very much. I will be pointing her in the direction of the Migrant centre amongst other places and hope she has some joy there, as some of you have said I cannot really be getting too involved personally so I think the approach suggested will be best all round, again thanks.