Isma* was referred to us when she came to an ultrasound clinic for a scan and disclosed that her husband was financially and coercively abusing her, and she was unsure if she would like to go ahead with the pregnancy.
Isma was ‘treated like a slave’ in the house. Her husband controlled what she wore and withheld food. She was not allowed to speak with anyone unless her husband gave her permission and she had very little freedom. Isma had no access to any finances and often had to beg for money. It was rare that she was given any.
We contacted Isma and using an interpreter, chatted through the support she could receive. Isma was on a spouse visa which ran out in 5 months with no recourse to public funds. We gave her details of immigration solicitors and set up an appointment for her. Isma then decided she no longer wanted support, but kept our number.
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£8 could buy one pair of fleecy pyjamas for a woman fleeing domestic abuse
One month later, Isma contacted us again after a physical incident with her husband whereby he had assaulted her and threw a TV at her and their 13 month old daughter. He had also physically assaulted her and been verbally abusive whilst Isma was holding their daughter.
Isma decided to have a termination. She then disclosed she had become pregnant through rape. She was afraid of further abuse and wanted to end her relationship with her husband. She didn’t know how to leave him safely or what her options were.
With our help, Isma put together a safety plan on how to leave her husband without suffering further abuse or repercussions. We found a place for Isma in a refuge so she had somewhere to go, as well as accessing support for Isma’s daughter too. As Isma left the house with nothing but a small bag of items for herself and baby, we managed to provide baby toys, clothes, bedding and car seat through The Good Samaritan charity. We supported Isma to open her own bank account and taught her how to withdraw money from a cashpoint. We also made arrangements with the police to go back to Isma’s house with Isma to get some personal items.
We contacted immigration solicitors and with Isma’s consent, reported the assault and rape to police and kept Isma updated with police outcomes. We got a Non Molestation order, a court order that protects people from abuse, harassment, and other forms of violence.
Isma is now safe in a women’s refuge and has reported making new friends who also have children for her daughter to play with. She can now see clearly the extent of the abuse she has suffered but feels empowered to have finally broken free from her husband for a better life for herself and daughter.
Police are now aware of all historical abuse suffered and have incidents logged on their system.
Isma’s daughter will now grow up in a safe environment with improved relationship with her mum. Isma can parent how she wants to- attending baby groups, making friends and finally bond with her daughter. Mum and daughter are now not isolated .
*Name changed to protect identity
You can make a difference
You can make a difference to women’s lives like Isma, by donating to Staying Put and enabling us to continue supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.