We make sure Survivors of trafficking and torture can secure the international protection they deserve.
Survivors, until they are granted leave to remain, live in fear. They live with the fear that they may, at any time, be returned to a country where their lives will, once again, be in danger. Living with that fear is exhausting and deeply painful for Survivors.
WHY DO SURVIVORS NEED LEGAL PROTECTION?
The asylum process is complex and many Survivors do not receive adequate legal advice. You have to provide extensive evidence in a long drawn out process to prove your case. Simultaneously, many elements of the process are completely unsuitable for Survivors who are struggling with fear, shame and illness. It can be overwhelming and unmanageable for those who have experienced severe violence and abuse.
WHAT’S OUR SOLUTION?
The Helen Bamber Foundation’s Legal Protection Team provide a vital link between the Survivor and their legal representative. We improve clients’ chances of receiving a positive decision often as a direct result of our Medico-Legal Reports. These reports document the long-term physical and psychological impact of traumatic experiences. The reports are then used as evidence for international protection in the UK. Our expertise in preparing them continues to be recognised by the Courts and Tribunal and by the Home Office.
We do this work because when a client receives status it is a life changing event. It means they can access mainstream services and live their life with fewer restrictions, possibly for the first time ever. Survivors can go on to access education, employment and truly begin to integrate into their communities.
OUR LEGAL PROTECTION IS CONSTANT, COMMUNICATIVE, AND VITAL
Our care and legal protection work means that Survivors receive high quality legal casework support.
We provide evidence regarding clients’ ability to disclose evidence about the harm they suffered. Our team provides emotional support for clients, which frequently includes accompanying them to court hearings. Our Medico-Legal Reports sensitively access Survivors’ physical and psychological trauma as evidence to support their claims for international protection. We exist to give our clients care and protection for their sustained recovery.
SOME FACTS ABOUT OUR LEGAL PROTECTION
- We provided 429 survivors with legal protection services in 2023.
- 89 clients received legal protection such as refugee status, humanitarian protection, or limited leave to remain based on their particular circumstances.
- Following the provision of Medico-Legal Reports in 2022, of known final outcomes, 94% were granted a form of leave to remain in the UK.