I came to the UK from Iraq after an arranged marriage. At first, things seemed okay, but soon I became isolated and emotionally abused. My husband constantly blamed me for not getting pregnant. When I was finally offered IVF, he took me back to Iraq to humiliate me in front of our families. My mother had to offer to pay for the treatment.
Back in the UK, I found out I was pregnant with twins. Instead of being happy, my husband complained about the costs and responsibilities. He wasn’t there for me during pregnancy or labour, and after the babies were born, I had to manage everything on my own — even when one of them needed oxygen.
He became increasingly controlling, emotionally and physically abusive. I was threatened with violence, and one night he attacked me in the kitchen while I was holding my child. When I tried to defend myself, he called the police before I could. I was arrested, and that’s when Social Services and KMEWO got involved.
With KMEWO’s help, everything started to change. They supported me through the MVDAC process so I could access public funds. They worked with Social Services, helped me move into refuge accommodation, and supported me in reporting the abuse to the police. I was referred to legal and immigration advisors, got a Non-Molestation Order, and after a short time, I was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain.
They also referred me for counselling in my native language and arranged with Social Services for childcare, so I could attend the sessions and focus on my healing.
Today, I’m living in a safe temporary accommodation with my children. I feel stronger, more confident, and for the first time in a long time, I finally feel like I have a future.