Migrants are making false domestic abuse allegations to stay in the UK, BBC investigation finds

Aisha has accused the Home Office of enabling a four-year campaign of harassment by her ex-partner, who she alleges used false domestic abuse allegations to target her.

Competing Domestic Abuse Allegations

Aisha’s ex-partner reported to police that he was the victim of domestic abuse, claiming he had been subjected to physical violence and coercive control by Aisha and her family.

Aisha stated she was already receiving support from authorities and domestic abuse agencies before these allegations were made. She claims her ex-partner told her he had “multiple ways” to remain in the country regardless of her status.

According to Aisha, police took no action against her in relation to the allegations made by her ex-partner.

Compensation and Legal Status

The ex-partner did not face rape charges because Aisha changed her mind about supporting a prosecution. However, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority awarded Aisha more than £17,000.

The payment indicates that the authority judged the alleged sexual assault was more likely than not to have occurred.

Impact of 2023 Arrest

In January 2023, Aisha was arrested following another allegation made by her ex-partner. She spent eight hours away from her daughter, whom she was breastfeeding at the time due to the infant’s allergy to formula milk.

Aisha described the emotional distress caused by the arrest, stating she felt she wanted to end her life upon returning home.

Political Intervention

Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips wrote to officers on the day of the arrest, asserting that the arrest likely would not have happened had police been aware of the history between the two parties.

After becoming a Home Office minister, Phillips advised Aisha to forward evidence of the situation to the Home Office, promising to follow up on the matter.

Aisha stated that the Home Office allowed this behavior to continue, describing the past four years as “hell.”