Help with domestic abuse and visas – I am on spousal visa

[rainbowevelyn]

Hi everyone,

I am here in the UK on a spousal visa and my relationship with my husband has broken down due to what I fully now understand to be domestic abuse – although it took me a long time realise what was happening. His behaviour was emotionally/verbally abusive, very controlling and perhaps some financial abuse as well. I left the house temporarily as I started to feel unwell and like I was fading away. I didn’t matter as a person to him. He smoked weed every day, became verbally abusive and demeaning (calling me stupid, a c**t, told me he was embarrassed by me among other things).

I am here on a spousal visa and need to get some advice to understand what my rights are and what visas are available. I am seeking to speak to a lawyer for support too but I would love to know if anyone else on here has been through this?

If I go down the route of untangling my visa from him due to domestic abuse, I have read online that he may be contacted and notified. Is this the case? How can I be sure? Would appreciate any advice if anyone has been through the process and what to expect?

Thank you

[Lisa]

Hi rainbowevelyn,

Welcome to the forum. I hope you find this a safe and supportive place to be. Many other women here will likely have similar experiences around this and may be able to offer some insight on steps to take. This is a very specialised subject, so it will be important you also speak to the right services and get legal guidance.

A solicitor specialising in Immigration law can be found through the Immigration Law Practitioners Association here: http://www.ilpa.org.uk

The Immigration Advisory service are an independent non-governmental organisation, giving free and confidential legal advice and representation on immigration issues. They are available on 0333 414 9244 or 0333 305 9375 (8.30am-8pm daily) or info@iasservices.org.uk. You can access their website here: http://www.iasservices.org.uk

Rights of Women can provide free legal advice around Immigration. Their Immigration and asylum law advice line offers advice around immigration law including domestic violence, long residence and family life; rights of Europeans and their families in the UK; financial support options including no recourse to public funds. They are contactable on 020 7490 7689 (Mon & Thurs, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm) http://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk

Regardless of your status in the UK you can contact your local domestic abuse service for emotional and practical support and help. Your local domestic abuse service may also have access to legal advice and may be able to help you gather any evidence you have. This is a free service, so use them as you need. They can provide both emotional and practical help.

For more information on immigration rules, you can contact the Home office on 020 7035 4848. If you want to apply to stay in the UK under the immigration rules, application forms are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-benefits-for-visa-holder-domestic-violence

I hope this is helpful. Do keep in touch here to let us know how you get on.

Take care,

Lisa

[Twisted Sister]

Hello rainbowevelyn

Wanted to welcome you to the forum and hopefully you now have some lines of contact for further information and support, so that you can get the answers you need.

It must be very isolating, on top of the abuse, to be in a country where you are a temporary resident, in terms of being reliant upon your spouse for rights to stay here. I know there are other women in your situation, and I truly hope that you find the answers you need and that you will feel able to keep posting and talking on here and everywhere you need to so that you can have an abuse-free life, wherever that may be.

I know that I’m obviously not able to share an experience the same as yours, but there will be women reading here and posting that may have gone through this. It could help to post in the black and minoritised ethnic communities, whether you fall into this category or not, there are clearly similar challenges.

You have seen and recognised the abuse and that is the biggest step to take in making changes in your life, and I wish you every success for your future steps.

warmest wishes

ts

[rainbowevelyn]

Thanks you for your words and advice. I will post this in the groups you suggest too.
Best wishes 🙂

[Author]

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