How social workers can help migrant women escape domestic violence

Published by Professional Social Work magazine, 16 November 2022

The plight of women with no recourse to public funds and those trapped in abusive relationships because of fears of being deported were highlighted at the BASW England Conference.

Pam Shodeinde, a frontline social worker and member of BASW’s Black and Ethnic Minority Symposium, told how women are locked in domestic violence at home because of visa fears or lack of financial independence.

Shodeinde said: “Particular difficulties can arise when women are in migrant marriages, many of whom come to the UK on spousal visas after marrying a British resident.

“They are given visas as dependents, and so there is a provisional period where your right to be in the UK is attached to your marriage.

“If you don’t stay married to that person your right to be here is no longer valid and you may be asked to leave the UK.

“For that reason, many women find it difficult to come forward to discuss domestic abuse – they fear if they say anything they will no longer be allowed to stay in the UK.”

For women with no recourse to public funds, the pressures are even worse, Shodeinde added: “How are you able to fend for yourself or fend for your children if you decide to leave that relationship?

“There is a lack of support and a lack of knowledge as to what services are out there and what they need to do to be able to safely come out of a relationship.

“They have been told by their partners that if they walk out, they will be sent back home.”

Financial abuse is often cited by victims as a main reason for staying in relationships, along with fears of losing their visa status.

Cultural pressures are also a factor, and Shodeinde continued: “There are cultural implications and fear of the shame this will bring them and their families within their communities. Also, language barriers can be a big problem. Women aren’t aware of what is out there and find it hard to communicate or even understand what services to approach.

“They have difficulties accessing housing, financial support, making it harder for them to leave.”

Social workers play a key role in enabling women experiencing domestic violence to leave their situations, Shodeinde said.

“We need to be able to step into those situations and provide that help and support, equipped with the right information so they can leave their relationships and get the help they need.

“We need to ensure we can provide in terms of housing and applying for indefinite leave to remain.

“Cultural sensitivity is also important – social workers’ practice should be underpinned by anti-oppressive practice and an anti-discriminatory approach to ensure they can safely come out of relationship or understand why they are refusing to leave.

“It’s important to share information with relevant agencies when there is a concern, but also be advocates for these women, understand the impact on them and help them see there is light at the end of the tunnel.”