Information for migrant women
Incidences of violence against migrant women happen at all stages of migration in the country of origin, during transit, at the country of destination or on return. Violence against migrant women may be committed by a variety of perpetrators including smugglers, human traffickers, authorities (i.e. police and border guards) and intimate partners.
A complex immigration system and its impact on rights, rising poverty and limited employment opportunities have also led some migrant women to accept risky economic opportunities rendering them more vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation.
What are my legal options?
You can find information about availability for our Immigration Legal Advice Surgeries on our website. These sessions are an opportunity to discuss your case in detail with one of our solicitors and get more specific legal advice. We only can consider your case through our take on process as currently we only represent in a limited capacity.
Our partners at JustRight Scotland also run the Scottish Refugee and Migrant Centre to provide information and advice around immigration.
Our Solicitor Signposting Network has a list of solicitors across Scotland who have completed our SWRC-approved domestic abuse training. Check the ‘Area of Work’ section for more information on each solicitor and their specialisms.
Looking for more information?
There are supports and resources available on our website if you have concerns around Brexit and Your Rights or No Recourse to Public Funds.
Other support and organisations that can help
Many support services are available to you whether or not you report to the police.
Amina Muslim Women’s Resource Centre
The Helpline is a listening ear and signposting service for Muslim women across Scotland. It is free from mobiles and landlines and will not appear on your phone bill. All calls are strictly confidential and non-judgemental; Amina will always deal with clients in a faith and culturally-sensitive manner.
Amina can help women in English, Urdu, Arabic, Bangla and Swahili and, when required, using online interpreting.
- Phone number: 0808 801 0301 (Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm)
Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid provide specialist support to women from the Asian, Black and Minority ethnic community who experience domestic abuse influenced by culture and tradition.
- Phone number: 0141 353 0859
Saheliya is a specialist mental health and well-being support organisation for black, minority ethnic, asylum seeker, refugee and migrant women and girls (12+) in the Edinburgh and Glasgow area.
- Phone number: 0131 556 9302
Shakti Women’s Aid helps BME women, children and young people experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse from a partner, ex-partner and/or other members of the household.
- Phone number: 0131 475 2399
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline is available 24/7 offering support and advice to anyone affected by domestic abuse or forced marriage. For information on your local Women’s Aid group or on refuge accommodation please visit Scottish Women’s Aid.
- Phone number: 0800 027 1234
- Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
- Webchat is available 24/7 on their website.
Migrant Help offers support, guidance and accommodation to vulnerable migrants across the UK who have fled persecution, escaped from slavery or found themselves in a situation that they do not understand.
- Phone number: 0808 8010 503
The Modern Slavery Helpline is a trafficking prevention helpline.
- Phone number: 0800 0121 700
The Scottish Refugee Council offers a wide range of services for refugees including integration, family key work and community engagement services available within office hours.
- Phone number: 0141 248 9799
- Email: info@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
The TARA Project is available 9.30am-5pm weekdays offering support and access to crisis accommodation for women in Scotland, aged 18+ who have been trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation.
- Phone number: 0141 276 7724
In immediate danger or looking to report?
If you feel you are in immediate danger, call the Police on 999. If you are not in immediate danger but would like to report, call the Police on 101. Alternatively, you can fill out Police Scotland’s online form. Police Scotland respond and investigate reports of criminal activity, this includes various forms of gender-based violence.
