Domestic violance and separation - where to get help?

[AKDK]

Hi everyone,

Im writing on behalf of my friend. Here is the situation:

She is family member of EEA national, 17-weeks pregnant, was beaten and abused by her husband on several ocassions, finally she reported him to police, whitnessed her bruises and they gave him restraining order. She only got her RC few months ago, wont be able to prove that they lived in the uk for a year. The question is can she retain her rights of residence somehow? Shall she go to CAB to get some advice? She doesnt have money for solicitors. or shall she just call HO directly?

thank you in advance for help!

[86ti]

Reading through Section 10 of the EEA regulations I am not sure if under those circumstances (domestic violence) she would be required to have lived for a certain minimun period in the UK or have been married for some time. Nevertheless she would need to be able to support herself. Professional legal help is probably very important. I do not know how much your local CAB can help. I would expect there to be other organisations which specialise in this field maybe also with expertise in immigration affairs.

[Greenie]

She will be entitled to legal aid if she doesn't have an income. Its best to seek legal advice before contacting the home office.

Some cabs do have specialist immigration advisors but most don't.

Have a look here for an immigration advisor or solicitor in her area

http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/ ... search.jsp

[annvdb]

Hi everyone,

Im writing on behalf of my friend. Here is the situation:

She is family member of EEA national, 17-weeks pregnant, was beaten and abused by her husband on several ocassions, finally she reported him to police, whitnessed her bruises and they gave him restraining order. She only got her RC few months ago, wont be able to prove that they lived in the uk for a year. The question is can she retain her rights of residence somehow? Shall she go to CAB to get some advice? She doesnt have money for solicitors. or shall she just call HO directly?

thank you in advance for help!

Hello
I've come out of an abusive marriage in the UK last year (although it didn't have any impact on my immigration status as I am an EEA national). Did the police give your friend a referral to Victims Support? Please get your friend to contact Victim Support for a range of support services asap (if the police haven't given her a referral just ring up Victim Support and quote the crime reference number). Personally I would not bother with CAB unless you know they have an immigration advisor who has specialist knowledge. I do recommend she contacts Rights of Women, they operate two free legal advice lines operated by female solicitors. I have found them to be very knowledgeable and helpful. The website link is as follows: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk (check under the section faqs for the telephone numbers).
Feel free to drop me a private message, I'd be happy to help.
All the best
Ann