‘They have no right to safety and protection’: Brexit, Eastern European women in the UK and domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is a prevalent form of violence against women in the UK. Migrant women living in the UK often face an increased risk of domestic abuse, as well as barriers to accessing support to end this abuse, due to multiple intersecting disadvantages. These disadvantages can include lack of social support, precarious immigration and under-employment. In the wake of Brexit, the immigration status of migrants from EU countries has become precarious, and evidence of the consequences of this change in status are now emerging. This study forms part of a larger research project examining the lived experiences of Eastern European migrant women living in North East England, and the agencies that support them. Data were gathered during small group interviews with Eastern European migrant women from EU countries (n=6) and interviews with staff from local voluntary agencies (n=3). Data were analysed using a thematic analysis framework. Findings highlight how barriers to accessing domestic abuse support services have increased in the wake of Brexit, yet these women are often invisible to services. Our research offers empirical evidence about ‘intersectional invisibility’ through a narrative exploring the recent history of changing immigration status for a group of EU citizens living in the UK.