When I was brought to the UK on a spouse visa in 2016, I had already been forced into an arranged marriage abroad. I entered this country with hopes of building a safe life for myself and, eventually, my children—but that hope was quickly overshadowed by control, abuse, and isolation.
From the very beginning of the marriage, I was forced to wear a hijab and faced constant monitoring of my clothing, movements, and friendships. In 2020, when I made the personal decision to stop wearing the hijab, things escalated dramatically. My husband became extremely jealous, controlling, and refused to financially support me or the household.
By 2021, I was pregnant with my third child when he convinced me to travel back to visit family abroad. The day we were due to return to the UK, he and his brothers forcibly took my two sons from me, assaulted me—kicking me in the stomach while pregnant—and left me behind. He returned to the UK with our sons, and I gave birth to my daughter while still abroad. His family was angry that the baby was a girl, and he refused to let us return. I was eventually able to come back to the UK for urgent medical treatment, leaving my newborn behind temporarily. Once I recovered, I returned to bring her back with me.
In 2023, he attempted to send me and my daughter away again. When I refused, he physically assaulted me. This time, I showed my bruises to my GP, who immediately contacted the police and children’s services. That same night, we were taken to safety and relocated to a refuge. I didn’t press charges because his family had political connections in our home country and had made serious threats against my brothers. He had openly advised others to murder their wives back home if they were “disobedient,” and I knew he meant it.
Despite the danger, he continued to plot against me. In the same year, I reported another attempt to the police and left our passports with them for protection. But in 2024, after convincing me to travel again—citing my father’s heart attack—he once more abducted my sons and left me and my daughter behind. I later discovered his plan had been to kill me. Fortunately, I managed to flee and return to the UK with my daughter.
That’s when I reached out for help. A friend recommended to contact KMEWO. From the moment I spoke to their advisor, in my native language, things started to change. I received emotional support, legal guidance, and help applying for benefits. With their continued assistance, I was eventually reunited with all of my children and began rebuilding my life in safety.
Needs Identified
When I first sought support, it was clear that my situation involved significant and immediate risk. A thorough risk assessment was necessary to ensure my safety and that of my children. I needed urgent safety planning and legal advice, particularly regarding the abduction of my children and the threat of being forcibly removed from the country again. Emotional wellbeing was also a critical concern, and it was important for me to access counselling in my native language. In addition, I required assistance with securing safe and stable housing, and guidance on applying for financial support to help us move toward independence.
Support and Outcomes
The organisation responded quickly and thoroughly to my needs. A full risk assessment was conducted, which confirmed I was at high risk and led to my case being referred to the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) for coordinated support. A personal safety plan was developed to help protect me and my children. I was referred to a specialist family solicitor who helped issue an emergency abduction notice, and I worked closely with the police to ensure our ongoing protection.
I received assistance in applying for Universal Credit, which provided crucial financial stability. Support was also extended to my children, including coordination with their school to ensure they received appropriate help and that necessary documentation was available for court proceedings. Perhaps most importantly, I was offered emotional support throughout this process in my native language. This care and understanding helped me rebuild my confidence and begin to move forward with a sense of safety and empowerment.
Today, I finally feel safe. I have my children with me, and I know I’m not alone. With the right support, it is possible to rebuild—even after experiencing deep fear, loss, and trauma.