Domestic Violence Coalition marks 16 Days of Action – Natalia’s Story
The following case study is based on real accounts as told to a member organisation of the Domestic Violence Coalition. Specific details and circumstances have been changed in the interests of protecting identity and to preserve the confidential nature of the assistance provided. We are sharing ione case study every day to mark the 16 Days of Action campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence situations.
The Domestic Violence Coalition is made up of the following organisations: Womens Aid, Adapt Domestic Abuse Services, Doras Luimní, Nasc – the Irish Immigrant Support Centre, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service Sligo, Akidwa, Longford Women’s Link, Sonas Housing, the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Ascend Domestic Abuse Service.
Case Study 12
Natalia is originally from Russia and has been residing in Ireland since 2007. She entered Ireland with her young daughter on the basis of her being married to an EU national. She also gave birth to a child, and her son is entitled to be an Irish citizen from birth based on his father’s residency in Ireland. Within a short time following her arrival in the State she was subjected to severe domestic and sexual violence at the hands of her husband. She left the home, and sought the protection of a refuge. Natalia was supported in remedying her immigration situation in Ireland by a member organization of the Domestic Violence Coalition. However, as her initial application to remain in Ireland independently was refused by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), Natalia’s case ended up being taken to the High Court twice to seek a judicial review of the refusal of her residency application. Following five years of legal representations and advocacy, Natalia was eventually granted permission to remain in Ireland. During all of this time, Natalia and her children were in a severely precarious situation, struggling to support themselves, and being denied even the most basis social supports such as Child Benefit. Natalia has since rebuilt her life, has secured employment and is living happily with her two children.
