EXIT SITE 

The Zinthiya Trust is dedicated to supporting women and families to live free from abuse and poverty. 

Many women arrive in the UK as students, spouses, workers, or family members. Too often, they are misled about what life will be like. Some case studies show they have faced exploitation and financial control. This page gives you the truth before you travel and offers support if you have already arrived and feel unsafe or misled. 
 
You are not alone. We are here to help. 

The Reality of Life in the UK Know What to Expect 

The cost of living is high - including rent, bills, childcare, and food. 
 
Employment rights exist, but qualifications from abroad are not always recognised. 
 
“No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF) rules may restrict access to benefits. Such as spouse or student visa’s are not eligible to claim most government benefits or financial support. This means if you experience financial hardship, you won’t be able to access help from public funds or government welfare schemes. 
 
Domestic abuse is not always physical; financial and emotional control are also forms of abuse. 
 
There are some charities that can help but they are limited to in kind support, but many women do not know where to find it. 

“New country, new challenges – but you deserve support.” 

Real stories, real strength 

Case Study 1 – Leila (41, Middle East) 

At first, life seemed manageable. But when the cost of living crisis pushed up bills and food prices, tensions rose. Her husband began restricting her access to money, giving her only small weekly allowances. He controlled what she bought, monitored her phone, and discouraged her from leaving the house alone. 
 
Leila felt trapped: she wasn’t a student, so she didn’t have the same campus support systems. She didn’t know where to turn, and feared that reporting her husband might affect the family’s visa status. She also worried about stigma from her community, who would see separation as shameful. 
 
She eventually heard about the Zinthiya Trust through a local women’s group at a community centre. They helped her open her own bank account, learn about benefit entitlements, and access domestic abuse support. She now volunteers with the same women’s group, helping others in similar positions. 

“I thought abuse was only violence, but for me it was control and fear. Learning I had rights changed everything.”  – Leila 

Case Study 2 – Maria (36, Latin America) 

Maria’s isolation grew. Her English was limited, and she didn’t know anyone locally. When her husband cut off her access to money, she relied on neighbours to discreetly give her food. 
 
The turning point came when her daughter’s school raised concerns about attendance and wellbeing. A safeguarding officer introduced Maria to a local domestic abuse charity. With their support, she learned that her spousal visa did not mean she was powerless. She accessed safe housing, financial support, and English classes. 
 
Today, Maria works part-time in childcare and is beginning to heal. 

“When I came here, I thought marriage would give me security. Instead, it was used as a weapon. The most important thing I learned is that I wasn’t alone. There are organisations that will stand beside you.” – Maria 

Your Rights and Options Every woman matters, every story deserves to be heard. 

Before You Travel: 
 
Make sure your spouse is able to support you. 
Research UK visa rules and rights. 
Understand the cost of living. 
Save emergency funds if possible. 
Connect with trusted organisations before leaving. 
Have a contingency plan. 
 
If You Have Arrived: 
 
Know your employment rights. 
Know that your visa does not tie you to abuse. 
Open your own bank account if safe to do so. 
Learn about local women’s centres and free advice lines. 
Reach out for help - confidentially and without fear. 
Learn the language. 
Learn a skill or volunteer to improve your skills. 
Build a trusted support network. 

Helplines and Support Contacts 

Police (non-emergency contact): For non-emergency situations requiring police assistance in the UK, you can call 101. For emergencies (life-threatening) dial 999. 
Immigration Advice 
Rights of Women: A national charity that offers free, confidential legal advice to women in England & Wales on issues including immigration, domestic abuse and family law. 
 
Phone: 020 7251 6575 
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI): A charity specialising in immigration, nationality and refugee law, providing legal advice, helplines and campaigning for migrant justice. 
 
Phone: 0800 160 1004 (freephone helpline) 
Alternative phone: 020 7251 8708 
Website: jcwi.org.uk 
Kiran Support Services (Kiran SS): A London-based organisation offering culturally-sensitive support and immigration advice to South Asian women facing domestic abuse and exploitation. 
 
Phone: 020 8558 1986 
Website: kiranss.org.uk 
Citizens Advice: A national organisation providing free, independent and confidential advice on a wide range of issues including immigration, benefits and housing. 
 
Phone: 0808 278 7970 
Domestic Abuse 
Solace Women’s Aid: London’s largest charity for women & children affected by domestic abuse, providing support, refuge, advocacy and advice services. 
 
Phone: 0808 802 5565 (freephone) 
Shakti Women’s Aid: A specialist support service for Black and minority-ethnic women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse, based in Scotland. 
 
Phone: 0131 475 2399 
Southall Black Sisters: A specialist charity led by and for Black and minoritised women offering holistic advocacy, legal, housing and immigration-related support to survivor-victims of abuse. 
 
Phone: 020 8571 9595. 
Kiran Support Services (Kiran SS): Provides culturally-sensitive safe-housing, outreach, immigration advice and support to South Asian women and children affected by domestic abuse. 
 
Phone: 020 8558 1986. 
Website: kiranss.org.uk 
Aanchal Women’s Aid: A charity supporting Asian women, men and children experiencing domestic abuse via helpline, counselling, casework on housing/matrimonial matters and welfare rights. 
 
Phone (24 hr helpline): 0800 0124 924. 
Website: aanchal.org.uk 
Specialist Support 
Rainbow Migration: A UK charity offering free, specialist legal information, social support and housing help to LGBTQI+ people navigating the asylum and immigration system.  
 
Phone: 020 3752 5801. 
Praxis (for Migrants and Refugees): Provides advice, support services and advocacy for vulnerable migrants and refugees in the UK including those with “No Recourse to Public Funds” issues. 
 
Phone: 020 7729 7985. 
Website: praxis.org.uk 
Women for Refugee Women: Works to support and empower refugee-seeking women in the UK by amplifying their voices, providing community support and campaigning for a fairer asylum system. 
 
Phone: 020 7250 1239. 
International Organization for Migration (UK) (IOM UK): The UK arm of the inter-governmental organisation offering migration advice, resettlement and integration support to migrants and refugees. 
 
Phone: 020 7811 6000. 

Plan Your Finances 

The UK is one of the most expensive places to live in Europe. Before you travel, it’s important to understand the real costs of rent, bills, food, and childcare. 
 
 
Minimum Income Calculator
Expense 
Average UK Cost 
Rent / Mortgage 
£664 
Council Tax 
£108 
Electricity 
£61 
Gas 
£70 
Water 
£51 
Food 
£180 
Travel 
£25 
Total 
£1159 per month 

We’re Here for You.  Advice and advocacy — housing, finance, immigration signposting.  Practical support (safe housing, bank accounts, benefit applications).  Community support (education, peer groups, volunteering).  We work in partnership with local and national charities.  “Standing with women, wherever their journey begins.”