We know the current climate poses challenges for women experiencing abuse.

Please note that support and refuge services remain open.

We are working across our sector to ensure the government responds effectively to the needs of all survivors.

 

The Black feminist thinking which underpins Imkaan's work is rooted in the power of collective action. Our responses to overcome Covid-19 must centre those who are most vulnerable to the virus and its socio-economic impacts; we believe that society must urgently reimagine itself, and build strong communities based on the values of solidarity and mutual care.

 

During this extraordinary time, it is particularly important to work collaboratively to ensure that support is available to all women. Survivors who are migrant women, women with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and women with insecure immigration status will always be supported by our specialist 'by and for' member services, who as a matter of principle do not engage in data-sharing with immigration enforcement.

 

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing abuse,

please visit our info page to get help: imkaan.org.uk/get-help

 

In an emergency, call 999.

 

For anyone unable to make or receive phone calls at this time, Women's Aid has an online chat function: chat.womensaid.org.uk

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The National Domestic Abuse Helpline also has an online contact form where you can state how and when you would like to be contacted: nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us

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We know that migrant survivors and women with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), in particular, may be facing increased barriers to accessing support, including with immigration issues during this time. The below updates and resources may be useful:

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• Right to Remain's digest of changes to the asylum and immigration process due to Covid-19: https://righttoremain.org.uk/changes-to-the-asylum-process-due-to-covid-19/

• For women living in asylum accommodation who have been served "Notice to Quit" letters - contact Migrant Help: https://www.migranthelpuk.org/

• The Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP)'s factsheet about asylum support and Covid-19 here: http://www.asaproject.org/uploads/Factsheet_20_-_Covid-19_and_asylum_support_updated_27.3.20.pdf

• Rights of Women are still operating advice lines - some lines have changed or reduced hours due to Covid-19. Info on their immigration and asylum law helpline opening hours is here: https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/immigration-and-asylum-law/

• Note that no charges will be made for NHS diagnosis or treatment of coronavirus (Covid-19). This applies to everyone living in the UK, regardless of your immigration status. No immigration checks are required for testing or treatment for COVID-19, so please access healthcare if you need to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide

• Also note that if your visa is about to expire or has expired after 24th January and you cannot travel due to #COVID2019, the Home Office has stated that you will be able to extend it until 31st May 2020 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/visas-extended-for-those-currently-unable-to-return-home-due-to-covid-19