Testimony

When I got deported Women Against Rape didn’t drop me, they stayed in touch with me, calling me in Uganda asking how are you, what is happening to you. When I got back to the UK we had to start from scratch and fight for me to be able to claim asylum.

Sometimes during that time I was so upset and so depressed I couldn’t face anything. I would call the Centre and they would tell me you have to be strong, we are here for you and they would help me work out what I had to do next. When my children come I want to stand them in the middle of this Centre to tell them that it is because of these people you are here. This is the truth from the bottom of my heart.

Landmark compensation for torture victim and her family

Ex drug user wins compensation for rape -
 

I came across the WAR website by chance after failing to obtain justice through the Courts and compensation. I found myself fighting for a criminal injuries award I knew would help me rebuild my shattered life. The psychological effects of my unresolved rape case were devastating and spread outwards affecting every aspect of my life. I became reclusive, unable to trust anyone, let alone have relationships. I suffered at work without realising the real cause.

"I have been granted leave to remain in the UK.  I can not express my appreciation to Women Against Rape who played a vital role to make this day come true.

They called me almost every week while I was in Yarl's Wood IRC and gave me moral support and encouraged me to be strong. I remember how we spoke on the phone while I was being driven to the airport to be deported to my country. They said, a barrister had been sent to court to stop my removal. I was nonplussed to know that people were out there fighting for me. They struggled to get me one of the best existing solicitors. Victory became mine since she started to represent me. WAR also wrote a letter concerning the rape I suffered and why some women can not report rape early.

When I won compensation for the rape I suffered I felt 10 tons lighter. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help. I can’t bear witnessing the injustice out there without at least trying to make a difference.

In July 2009, Ms B from Côte d'Ivoire was granted Indefinite Leave to remain after a six year battle for herself and her young daughter to get safety and protection. On hearing the news she said: “Being in the group is like having a family. I look forward to coming to the self help sessions, where I have made friends who also call me at home and support me when l’m low and close to giving up. I have gained confidence and self esteem. I know I will always have a life line and want to be one for

After my rapist was acquitted, I became reclusive, unable to trust anyone, let alone have relationships. I contacted WAR and I became filled with trust after the first 'phone call. I was allocated a delightful lady for support, who had suffered as I had. She won compensation and she helped me win as well. I could not have achieved this on my own as I was given first class guidance and advice and first class support. She even accompanied me to the appeal hearing. Their combined strength; their belief in me and my case, helped me win £11,000, overturning a decision made 6 years before. WAR helped me back on my feet and helped in my healing as well. Many thanks and Godbless you all for fighting for justice in an unjust world.

I’m a rape survivor from Rwanda. My family fled because of the genocide. In fear for my life I paid a man to bring me to the UK to seek asylum. I was raped by him. WAR helped me document everything and found me a good lawyer. Now I co-ordinate a volunteer session and help women like me

Rwanda rape victim in brave fight to help others (Ham & High) 

Thank you for all your support you have given me during my court case. Out of the 10 places I rang in London, you were the most helpful. I am very grateful for the letter you wrote for me to use in court for my defence. Thank you for keeping in touch via telephone and email during a difficult time for me.

I had tried so many times to take my life. I had been labelled with severe borderline personality disorder. The companionship I got at WAR was key to my recovery. The work carried out is incredible.

When Janipher Maseko finally won her right to remain under legacy in December 2008, she was overwhelmed . . . “women in Yarl’s Wood, BWRAP and Nursing Matters and many other supporters saved me and my kids when I was detained in 2007 without them . . . I was so distressed I was ready to give up, but once I knew people were angry about how I had been treated . . I fought back . . . now the horrors of what happened are behind us. We are happy and my children are settled . . . but my son may have learning problems because he was taken from me at four weeks old while he was still breastfeeding. Social Services are monitoring his progress and I am finally getting help and support to look after them both thanks to my solicitors and BWRAP.”