Violence against women: Movie star leads battle to overturn 'unjust' UK law

Archie Panjabi, star of East is East and Bend It Like Beckham, fronts Amnesty campaign

The star of East is East and Bend It Like Beckham, Archie Panjabi, is to front Amnesty International's campaign to change the 'no recourse to public funds' rule that traps women in a cycle of violence.
 
The sweeping rule is designed to stop certain groups accessing state funds, but the consequences are far-reaching for hundreds of women across the country. Today Amnesty International and Southall Black Sisters are launching a powerful report revealing the extent of the problem in the UK.

Archie Panjabi said:

'I am so glad to be associated with this very important campaign. In a vast majority of these cases the women involved are unable to speak out.

"It's hard enough for a woman to escape from violence, but to then be told that you are not entitled to any state help because of a failing in the law is, in my opinion, unaccaptable."

'They are left with no option but to either stay in a violent situation or risk a life dependent on others or on the streets.

'I feel it is imperative to speak out for them.'

Those affected include international students, temporary workers, visitors, trafficked women and girls, and women who have entered the UK on valid visas as either a spouse or a long-term partner.