Skip to main content
Who will defend the rape survivor asylum-seekers who face destitution?
NIKI ADAMS of Legal Action for Women describes how women fleeing male violence are confronted by sexist double standards from British officialdom, as revealed in a new report

THE discrimination faced by rape survivors who claim asylum in Britain and the harm of enforced destitution are exposed by a new report, Up from Destitution: Women and our Children Escaping Persecution, War and Ecological Devastation Have a Right to Asylum and Support.

Sandra has lived for seven years in Britain without any income of her own. She was married in Uganda at a young age to a man who beat and tortured her. 

He came from a prominent family so Sandra didn’t even consider going to the police because she knew they would side with him, tell her it was a private family matter and force her to go back home. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Gisele Pelicot presents the German edition of her memoir, 'A Hymn for Life', in Hamburg, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
International Women’s Day 2026 / 7 March 2026
7 March 2026

Gisele Pelicot said ‘shame must change sides.’ We may think we agree, but, argues LOUISE RAW, society still has some way to go

People thought to be migrants boarding a small boat in Gravelines, France, November 6, 2025
Britain / 18 November 2025
18 November 2025
ACT OF INTIMIDATION: A pedestrian crossing defaced to resemble a St George’s cross, in part of a spate of such incidents recently
Features / 24 September 2025
24 September 2025

A joint statement from Derby Indian Workers’ Association and Vox Feminarum/Women’s Voices

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood leaves 10 Downing Street, London, following a Cabinet meeting, September 16, 2025
Britain / 18 September 2025
18 September 2025