Help Nadia leave her abuser and stay in the UK

Trigger warning: domestic abuse, sexual assault, suicidal thoughts

I’m supporting Nadia* to raise funds for legal fees and immigration application costs to remain in the UK as a victim of domestic abuse.

Nadia recently left her husband after 3 years of abuse. She met her husband while studying in the UK, fell in love, and married him. Once they began living together, her husband began to emotionally and psychologically abuse her, coercing her into sex, and driving her into severe depression and a near suicide attempt.

He had isolated her from her family, who live in her home country. Thankfully Nadia was able to contact a local domestic violence charity and found the strength to leave the relationship. She is now in the very early stages of recovery and would not be alive today had it not been for the mental health and survivor support she is able to access in this country.

Nadia is living in the UK under a spouse visa. In order to leave and divorce her abuser without losing her right to work and the life she has built in this country, she would need to apply for leave as a victim of domestic violence, known as a SET(DV) application. Under the rules of her visa, she has no recourse to public funds and does not qualify for legal aid.

She needs funds for the following:

· SET(DV) immigration application fee: £2,389

· Legal fees: £6,500

· Psychological assessment to document the impact of the abuse: £570

· Divorce application fee: £593

Total: £10,052

Anything you can contribute would be much appreciated. It is not right that people like Nadia are forced into abusive situations in which her immigration status depends on her abuser. It is also unconscionable that the Hostile Environment makes it so costly for her to leave the abusive relationship and regain her life. Your support will mean a lot and go a long way to letting Nadia know that she is not alone and she can rebuild her life safely and with the support of her community. Any additional money raised above the goal will be given to Nadia to support her ongoing therapy.

Please share this fundraiser widely and help spread the word!

*Name have been changed to protect anonymity