Many people stay because they fear losing their visa. If your permission to stay depends on your partner, there are routes that can help you stay on your own.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
Rights of Women advice lines
Free, confidential legal advice by phone from women lawyers on domestic abuse, family and child arrangements, criminal law and immigration.
Who it is for Women in England and Wales.
First step Call one of their advice lines (family, criminal or immigration and asylum). Lines are busy, so keep trying and read their legal guides.
Good to know Advice is for the law in England and Wales only. Use their 'Hide Your Tracks' link if needed.
Settlement (indefinite leave to remain) as a victim of domestic abuse
Apply to stay in the UK permanently, in your own right, if your relationship broke down because of domestic abuse.
Who it is for People whose visa is usually based on a relationship with a partner or parent who is British, settled, a refugee, a member of the UK armed forces, or has EU settled or pre-settled status.
First step Get immigration advice, then apply as soon as possible after the relationship breaks down. Do not wait for your visa to expire.
Good to know You may not have to pay the fee if you cannot afford a home or essentials. Supporting evidence helps but is not required to apply.
Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession
Gives 3 months' permission to stay and lets you apply for benefits if you are on a temporary visa as a partner or child and the relationship broke down because of domestic abuse.
Who it is for People in the UK on a temporary visa as a partner or child whose relationship broke down because of domestic abuse and who need benefits to live.
First step Fill in the concession form on GOV.UK and post or email it to the address on the form. An immigration adviser can help.
Good to know Within the 3 months you must apply to settle or for another visa, or plan to leave. It cannot be used from outside the UK.
Find a registered immigration adviser
Registered immigration advisers can help you with forms and applications to stay in the UK. Only a level 3 adviser can represent you at a tribunal.
Who it is for Anyone in the UK who needs help getting permission to stay, including after an abusive relationship.
First step Use the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Adviser Finder on GOV.UK to find a registered adviser near you.
Good to know Check the adviser is registered and whether they charge before you use them. You may be able to get legal aid.
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Other topics
- Money to live on in the UKMoney help in the UK when you leave an abusive partner: Universal Credit, benefits advice and free debt advice.
- A safe place to live in the UKSomewhere safe to stay in the UK when you leave abuse: refuges, council homelessness help and housing advice.
- Legal aid and free legal help in the UKLegal help in the UK when you live with abuse: legal aid for victims of domestic abuse and free legal advice lines.
- The police and court orders in the UKReporting abuse to the police in the UK, non-molestation and occupation orders, Clare's Law and support for victims of crime.
- Children and child arrangements in the UKHelp for children and parents in the UK after abuse: child arrangements, Cafcass, and when you do not have to go to mediation.
- Health care and help after sexual assault in the UKHealth care in the UK after abuse or sexual assault: Sexual Assault Referral Centres, your GP and rape crisis support.
- Help for particular groups in the UKHelp in the UK for men, LGBT+ people, older and disabled people, and people facing forced marriage, from services that know your situation.