When I first arrived in the UK on a spouse visa, I was hopeful about the future. I had two young children and was pregnant with my third. But the reality was very different from what I expected.
My partner, the father of my children, had a history of abuse. He had even been to prison before for hurting another woman, but I didn’t realise how bad things would become for me. The abuse continued, and I felt trapped, isolated, and terrified especially with a baby on the way.
Thankfully, a friend who was worried about me referred me to the support service (KMEWO). That’s when things started to change.
As soon as I was referred, they helped me apply for the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC) so I could get access to public funds. They also contacted Children’s Social Services and fought for me and my children to receive support under Section 17 of the Children Act.
They helped me move into safe temporary accommodation, away from my abuser. I finally had space to breathe.
Even after finding safety, there were still so many challenges. I had No Recourse to Public Funds at first, and my Universal Credit was still linked to the perpetrator. That caused delays and confusion. I didn’t know how I would feed my children.
But the team in KMEWO never gave up on me. They pushed Children’s Social Services to step in, and because of their efforts, I received a hardship fund and supermarket vouchers so we could get by. They helped me apply for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, registered me with a GP, and even took the time to explain letters I didn’t understand because of the language barrier.
I didn’t know what my rights were, or how I could stay in the country safely. They worked closely with my immigration solicitor and gave a supporting letter for my Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application. They also referred me to a family solicitor so I could apply for a Non-Molestation Order (NMO) for protection.
My pregnancy was difficult, physically and emotionally. I felt alone and couldn’t speak English well, which made everything harder. The team stayed in touch with my midwife and referred me to counselling in my own language. It helped me open up and gave me the strength to keep going.
Where I Am Now
I still have hard days, but I finally feel like I’m in a safer and more stable place. I have support, I understand my rights, and I’m not alone anymore. Sometimes I compared myself to others and wondered why things weren’t easier, but they reminded me that every journey is different — and that mine is valid.
I’m so grateful for everything KMEWO’s staff did for me and my children. Their patience, kindness, and persistence changed our lives.