Rani’s Story: Breaking Free in the UK

Rani moved to the UK after her marriage to Ravi, a seemingly charming man from her hometown in India. Her family was excited for her new life, thinking she would have more opportunities in the UK, but the reality was far from what they had imagined.

At first, everything seemed fine. Ravi was loving and attentive. But gradually, cracks began to appear. He controlled who she spoke to, how she dressed, and criticised her cooking. Over time, his behaviour escalated—yelling turned into threats, and the threats turned into physical violence. Rani felt trapped in a foreign country with no one to turn to. She was isolated, far from her family, and Ravi had convinced her that no one would help her here.

One night, after a particularly violent incident, Rani found herself staring out of a small window in their flat, bruised and terrified. She realised she needed to leave but had no idea how to start. That’s when she remembered hearing whispers in her community about a helpline specifically for people like her—people from Sikh and South Asian backgrounds who felt alone and afraid.

With trembling hands, Rani called the Sikh Helpline. The voice on the other end was calm and reassuring. They spoke in her language, which instantly made her feel safe and understood. She wasn’t just another statistic; she was a person, and they were there for her.

The helpline helped Rani connect with local refuges and legal aid. She learnt about her rights and the steps she could take to protect herself. Slowly but surely, Rani built the courage to leave Ravi, with the support of the helpline’s guidance and the community refuges. She found temporary housing and began the difficult process of rebuilding her life, free from abuse.

Rani’s story is not unique. Domestic violence in the UK affects people from all walks of life, but many immigrants or women from ethnic minority backgrounds, like Rani, face additional barriers—language, cultural shame, and fear of deportation.

The Sikh Helpline, along with other organisations, plays a crucial role in bridging that gap, offering culturally sensitive support and helping individuals navigate the complex systems in place. Rani is one of many who found a lifeline in that call—a way to escape, heal, and reclaim her freedom.

Note: Names and details have been changed to protect the identity of the callers