My name is Ms S, I am a woman from Uganda. I arrived in the UK on a Spouse Visa. I was very happy to join my husband in the UK after a period of living apart.
Not long after my arrival my husband began being so controlling and abusive towards me and I never knew the reasons for his change in behaviour.
His abusive and violent behaviour became worse and his violence increased, one example was when he put me in a headlock to strangle me, he then threw a hot water bottles at me and pushed me against the wall pinning me there whilst yelling at me. The violent behaviours that I was subjected to by my husband made me feel stressed and depressed.
I was always frightened of him as I didn’t know what was running through his mind to make him behave like that. One day my husband locked me out of the house and threw a number of my belongings at me.
I stood outside for some hours hoping that he would open up for me but he didn’t. I called the police just after midnight and they came to the house around 2am and they helped me to find a place to spend the night. The following morning my husband was taken into custody and charged with assault. I then got in touch with a Domestic Violence Service who connected me to Palm Cove Society.
I arrived at Palm Cove Society and was given a warm welcome by the project workers. They gave me great advice and provided me with accommodation in a comfortable and safe place. They then went on to help me to access benefits, good health care and the hospital treatment that I needed.
They supported my visa application and I got my Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
Palm Cove Staff are very friendly and supportive, and this made me feel at home. I am now a happy person and delighted with my achievement.
My deepest appreciation goes to all the Palm Cove Society staff for their invaluable support. Their support has made such a difference in my life.
The staff made sure I was given knowledge about my rights in relation to relationships and domestic violence and also showered me with love, support and care.
I am going to leave Palm Cove Society because I have now got a job. But I will miss the staff and the other residents who are now my close friends. I will miss this comfortable and safe home.
God bless you and thanks a lot.
A Domestic Violence Victim on a Spouse Visa.
