Shazia* contacted Staying Put for support after she arrived in the UK on a spousal visa and moved in with her husband and his extended family. Shazia’s husband was disabled and she was expected to care for him as well as cook and clean for the rest of the family. Shazia had to sleep on the floor as there was no space for her on the bed.
Shazia’s husband died during covid but Shazia was still expected to stay on in the home and continue with the household chores, she was told that the family had applied for her indefinite leave to stay in the UK, but would not show her any paperwork as proof, she was threatened with deportation if she spoke up.
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£8 could buy one pair of fleecy pyjamas for a woman fleeing domestic abuse
When she could not take any more of the abuse, she rang the Police who helped to remove her from the house alongside her 5-year-old daughter and placed them both in temporary accommodation for their own safety.
The Police referred Shazia to the Modern-Day slavery and Trafficking Unit.
Shazia was very worried about her insecure immigration and how she would be supported financially. She was worried about consequences from the family as they would see it as she had besmirched their honour.
How we supported Shazia.
We supported Shazia within a person centred approach and provide ongoing emotional support. We firstly completed in depth risk assessments, management and support pan to keep Shazia and her child safe. We also supported Shazia to regularise her immigration status.
We understood that we needed to liaise and work in a multi agency partnership to provide a holistic rounded support to Shazia and her child. Shazia had already been referred to Childrens Social Care, so our worker liaised with the social worker and raised concerns around Shazia’s finances.
Shazia was referred to an Immigration solicitor who helped her apply for Destitution Domestic Violence Concession, which would allow her to claim benefits whilst applying to settle in the UK. Once the DDVC was granted, Shazia was able to make an application for benefits and housing. She was supported in children’s social care meetings. A request was made for a Community Resource worker to support Shazia with becoming independent.
*Name changed
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You can make a difference to women’s lives like Shazia, by donating to Staying Put and enabling us to continue supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.