For Latin American women in the UK, navigating the isolating and often hidden realities of domestic abuse is compounded by the challenges of being a migrant. Every year LAWRS organizes peer support sessions tailored to meet the needs of our community. Our aim is to create a safe space where these women can share their voices, reclaim their power, and take steps toward healing.

Addressing Unique Challenges

The systemic barriers and the hostile environment in the UK make an already difficult situation even harder, putting fundamental human rights at risk. Perpetrators also often use the hostile environment to keep victims/survivors trapped. LAWRS recognizes that migrant victims/survivors are not vulnerable by nature but are instead made vulnerable by the structural injustices they face – whether it’s limited access to resources, the challenges of No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition, insecure immigration status, or cultural stigma around domestic abuse.

This year’s peer support sessions incorporated a focus on policy for the first time. This new element addressed the broader challenges victims/survivors face and aimed to empower them to become part of the change.

Through collaboration between the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Policy teams, these sessions helped amplify survivors’ voices and connect their personal journeys to LAWRS’ advocacy and campaigns.

A Space for Healing and Empowerment

These sessions provided much more than information – they offered a sanctuary of safety, confidentiality, and, most importantly, the freedom to share experiences without judgment. For several of the participants, it was the first time they had felt truly seen and heard.

As one participant shared:
“I thought I wouldn’t be able to speak because I struggle so much. But this group was different. It gave me the strength to open up. Knowing I wasn’t alone made all the difference.”

Each session was uniquely structured, focusing on topics that resonated deeply with the survivors lived experiences, including:

  • Male Privilege and Gender Roles: Reflecting on how cultural norms perpetuate inequality.
  • The Cycle of Violence: Recognizing harmful patterns, with one participant admitting, “I thought it was love.”
  • The Wheel of Power and Control: Learning to identify and understand abusive behaviors.
  • Stages of the Journey: Focusing on moving forward and reclaiming their lives.
  • Myths About Domestic Abuse: Breaking down taboos and rebuilding self-esteem after emotional abuse.
  • Protecting Children: Offering tools to safeguard children from manipulation and harm.

These topics were particularly meaningful in illustrating the context and cultural norms that are associated with traditional gender roles and familial expectations, such as remaining with the perpetrator no matter the abuse and trauma especially if there are children involved, often creating additional barriers to recognizing and addressing abuse.

Surpassing Expectations

The majority of the participants arrived at the sessions uncertain, carrying heavy burdens of fear, anger, and self-doubt. One participant described her journey:“I came into this with so much anger, but through these sessions, I feel empowered. Talking about these issues has been incredibly helpful. This group was really useful, it was dynamic, respectful.”

Another reflected on how these sessions defied her initial expectations: “I thought it would be like other support groups, maybe something like AA. But after the first session, I realized it was completely different. It was perfect for me – a space to have real conversations. They helped me more than I could have imagined.”

A Community

One of the most powerful realizations to come from the group was the shared understanding among participants that domestic abuse affects women regardless of age, education, or background. One participant shared, “for the first time, I realized that what I was going through was part of the cycle of violence. The information gave me clarity and helped me make the decision to leave my relationship and be with my baby.”

This connection created a ripple effect of empowerment. Many women expressed a desire to share what they had learned with others in the Latin American community, creating a domino effect of awareness and support. “We want to spread the word so that more women know there are safe spaces like this,” one participant explained.

Beyond the Sessions: A Call to Action

LAWRS remains committed to listening to and supporting the voices of our community; to pursue equal rights and social justice for all Latin American women and migrant women in the UK. We want survivors to remember that what they’ve endured is not their fault and that their voices are powerful and a catalyst for change. These peer support sessions are a doorway to understanding these points further. At the end of these sessions, some of the women were inspired to take their involvement further, expressing a desire to join LAWRS’ advocacy and policy work as part of their healing journey.

LAWRS’ mission is to ensure no woman walks this journey alone. From providing vital resources to amplifying voices, our work is rooted in the belief that every survivor deserves support, dignity, and a pathway to healing.

A Message to Our Community: You Are Not Alone

To every Latin American woman facing similar challenges: You are not alone. Spaces like these exist to help you heal, find your strength, and use your voice to stand up for your rights.

As one participant said, “I feel very strong.” Another shared, “I am so grateful for all the help; it has been very meaningful to me.”

Your experiences matter, and your voice is powerful. Let’s continue to uplift one another and build a community where every woman feels seen, heard, and supported.

If you or someone you know needs support, LAWRS is here for you. Reach out to us – this is your space, and we are ready to listen.