Recognising the Signs of Domestic Abuse — and Where to Turn

Domestic abuse is not only physical. It can include control over money, isolation from friends and family, constant monitoring, and threats — and for migrants specifically, it often includes control over your passport, visa documents, or threats about your immigration status. If someone has told you that reporting them, or leaving, will get you deported or separated from your children, please know: that is a tactic of control, not a legal fact.

UK law recognises this pattern. If you are on certain partner visas and experiencing abuse, you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain under the domestic violence rules, without needing your abuser's cooperation or knowledge. Support workers and specialist solicitors can advise on this safely and confidentially.

Your immigration status does not remove your right to safety, and using support services will not automatically be reported to the Home Office.

If you or someone you know needs support, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247. Southall Black Sisters and Refuge both offer specialist support for migrant and minority women. In an emergency, call 999 — if you cannot speak, dial 999 then 55 on a mobile to alert police silently.

Over the past seven years I have supported more than 500 people through situations like this. You are not alone, and there is a way through.

If you'd like to talk in confidence, AF Consultancy is here — www.anastasia-fox-consultancy.com. This is a sensitive subject: if you are personally affected, please also reach out to the helplines above.