Samira’s experience of domestic abuse

Samira, a refugee from the Middle East, was referred to our charity by a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner from NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies. She had endured years of an abusive marriage in her home country, leaving her grappling with severe anxiety and depression.

Her journey towards recovery began with face-to-face trauma-informed support sessions. In our early sessions, we focused on helping Samira understand the nature of abuse and validating her experiences. This was a crucial first step in her recovery, as she found relief in sharing her story and having her feelings acknowledged.

We explored the mechanisms behind flashbacks and triggers, helping Samira comprehend the effects of trauma on the brain. Various strategies were introduced to help her manage her symptoms, including breathing techniques and grounding methods. A significant challenge for Samira was being separated from her family in London, compounded by still having relatives in the Middle East.

We provided support letters advocating for a relocation closer to her family, although this request was initially denied. We revised coping strategies and self-care practices to help her manage the stress, and gave her letters detailing her journey to support communication with new agencies despite language barriers.

Eventually, Samira was relocated to shared accommodation in the North of England, where she began forging new friendships and attending college. Our sessions then focused on the opportunities around her and the barriers she faced. When Samira was invited for her Home Office interview regarding her immigration status, we provided support letters to help her avoid the trauma of recounting her experiences. Samira was eventually granted Right to Remain status for five years.

Currently, our work is centred on securing housing for Samira to be closer to her family to support her ongoing recovery. Despite the challenges, Samira has diligently applied the techniques and strategies from our sessions. She engages with friends and family, enjoys walking, and has a passion for cooking. Her resilience and determination have been truly inspiring, making her journey a highlight in our work.