I’m a 36-year-old woman from Morocco. I came to the UK in 2011 on a spouse visa after an arranged marriage. I have two young children who mean the world to me.
Before I came here, I had dreams. I’m an educated woman. I thought I would build a life, a family, and a future. But things changed quickly. My husband became very controlling — over my time, my money, even my words. I wasn’t allowed to speak to anyone, not even the other mums at school. If I took more than five minutes to walk back from dropping off the children, he’d accuse me of meeting other men and call me horrible names.
I wasn’t allowed to learn English or attend any courses. He made all the financial decisions, and I had no say in anything. I didn’t even have the right to spend money for the children without asking. I felt like a prisoner in my own home.
There was physical abuse too — but I was too afraid to report it. One day, I called the police during an argument but hung up out of fear. That one call turned against me. He hurt himself and told the police I was the one who attacked him. He used his better English to control the situation. I ended up being arrested. The charges were dropped, but the fear stayed with me.
He would threaten to take the children away and send them back to Morocco. I didn’t know my rights. I felt helpless and terrified.
It was a friend who gave me KMEWO’s number. Making that call changed everything.
From the first appointment, I finally felt heard and supported. KMEWO completed a risk assessment which confirmed I was at high risk and they referred my case to MARAC and Children’s Social Services. They helped me understand my legal options, supported me to see a solicitor, and explained what a Non-Molestation Order could mean for me and my children.
They also referred me to counselling in Arabic, which has been life changing. For the first time, I could speak freely and be understood — not just in language, but emotionally. I’ve joined an ESOL class, a childcare course, and started attending women’s support groups. I even started volunteering — something I never thought I’d be allowed or able to do.
Now, I feel stronger. I feel hopeful. I know my rights. My children are safer, and so am I.
To any woman out there feeling trapped or silenced: there is a way out. You are not alone. KMEWO helped me find my voice — and now, I’m using it to say: you deserve to live free from fear.