I was pregnant when I was referred to the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO). I had attempted suicide as I had no hope in my life. I had been beaten up, tortured, was told that I am nothing, born to be a slave, and then forced into a marriage to a man 25 years older than me. I had no choice and no voice. I was repeatedly raped and beaten up by him. I was ordered to obey him. I couldn’t speak a word of English; I had nowhere to go and no one to turn to.

One day he beat me so badly that I became ill. He wanted to kill me but told me that he will have mercy for my unborn baby. Somehow I managed to run out and run as far as I could, then when I stopped to regain my breath a gentleman passing by noticed me crying. He tried to talk to me, but I couldn’t talk. He kindly took me to a police station and they referred me to IKWRO. 

At first I was very scared they would send me back to my husband, but they were so kind and warm that I felt I could open my heart to them.  I couldn’t stop crying.  I had nothing; no money, no ID, no status.

Now I have got my little daughter, I will not let her live the same life as me. I have got my indefinite leave to remain here and I have a home, free from beatings and assault. I am also attending an ESOL course and learning basic English. I am always thankful to IKWRO for all their hard work, and thanks to all the other people who saved us. Life is beautiful now and we deserve it.