Date published: 25 January 2021
“My life was very lonely and chaotic - I never knew when the abuse would start or end. All I wanted to do was to keep my children safe, but I didn’t know how to. I thought leaving my home situation would lead to my children being taken away from me.
"I had come to the UK on a spouse visa, but I wasn’t aware that I could apply for residency - so I felt very unsettled. When I arrived at Stonewater’s South Asian Women’s Refuge (SAWR), I was put in touch with an immigration solicitor who applied for a Victims of Domestic Violence (VDV) concession.
"I received a lot of support while I was at SAWR. The team gave us access to food and clothing, and supported me and my daughters to move forward. I was given immigration advice, support with an application for Universal Credit, child benefit and housing benefit. My understanding and awareness of my rights improved through legal workshops provided in the refuge by solicitors. Many of them were focused on forced marriage protection orders, non-molestation orders and other related issues.
"I have received my UK Residence Card and a National Insurance number which has enabled me to access Universal Credit.
"It’s been great to take part in a variety of wellbeing initiatives, including pottery workshop and yoga classes, which have really improved my mental and physical wellbeing. My children have also had play sessions, trips and outings with a children’s worker, and now my youngest child has enrolled in pre-school.
"When we moved to the refuge it was because I needed somewhere safe for me and my children to stay. I have had a lot of support every day. Thanks to this guidance, legal and emotional support, we have settled into refuge life and have done so many things. I’ve completed an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course, helping me towards working by developing and practising work-related skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening so I understand more about going to work and feel more confident. I’m working with solicitors to see through my divorce. The refuge has helped us be free and I am looking forward to moving with my life, with my children."