R arrived in the UK on a charity visa, full of hope, but soon fell victim to human trafficking. She eventually escaped that situation and tried to rebuild her life. She met someone, moved in with him, and became pregnant—but her hardship didn’t end there. Her partner became abusive and even threatened to kill her when he found out she was pregnant. Then he sent her away while she was still expecting their child.
This all happened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when services were disrupted, isolation was widespread, and accessing help became even more difficult. Despite the fear and uncertainty, R found her way to Kanlungan. With the help of our caseworkers and community network, she was supported in finding safe accommodation. One of our volunteers even opened their home to her, offering a temporary but much-needed place to stay as she prepared to give birth.
After her baby was born, R faced multiple challenges securing housing and support from social services, made even harder by the need to prove her child’s British nationality. With legal help, the child’s father was eventually compelled to undergo a paternity test—and the child was formally recognised as British.
But the struggle didn’t end there. In one of the temporary housing placements, R was assaulted and traumatised once again. She and her child urgently needed to be relocated. Through our joint project with Bahay Kubo Housing Association, Kanlungan was able to provide a safe and supportive shelter. “For the first time in many years, I was able to sleep peacefully,” R shared.
Her journey is still unfolding, but with the care of the community and her strength of spirit, R is finally beginning to heal.