Date published: 18 March 2019
Forced to marry an older man, she arrived in the UK to find that her husband had three children who she was expected to care for.
Mrs S* was kept as a slave, forbidden to leave the house unaccompanied, fed only rations, forced to sleep on the floor and beaten with a belt for not knowing how to do simple things like operate a toaster or microwave. Prevented from seeing or contacting her family, she was lonely and isolated. Mrs S couldn’t speak any English, did not know how to travel, had no knowledge of her rights or and understanding of British culture.
Mrs S arrived at the refuge extremely traumatised and with physical injuries. Initially, she wouldn’t leave the refuge, but with intensive support, she was able to develop independent living skills, and learnt to speak English and use public transport. She found her first trip alone empowering.
She engaged in numerous activities and enrolled onto courses available to her through SAWR. With our support, she received her Indefinite Leave to Remain (meaning she had the right to live, work and study in the UK indefinitely). Mrs S eventually moved into her own home, found work, and became a confident young woman.
She often returns to the refuge, to share her journey with others to give them hope. She credits the staff for saving her life.