The client, W.A., came to the UK in 2023 with her husband on a dependant visa. They have one
child together. The client reported that their relationship was relatively normal until around
February 2026. However, over the following months, she began to notice changes in her
husband’s behaviour, which caused her to feel worried, distressed and unsure about what to do.
A friend advised W.A. to seek support from our Domestic Abuse (DA) Support Worker at Shama
Women Centre. During her 1:1 session with the DA Support Worker, W.A. disclosed that her
husband no longer spends as much time with her and their baby as he previously did. She also
reported that he refuses to purchase necessities for the family, which has left her feeling sad,
emotionally distressed and unsupported.
During the assessment, the DA Support Worker explored the husband’s use of his mobile
phone. W.A. explained that he spends a significant amount of time playing an online game
called Frisbee. When asked whether he played the game for free or with money, W.A. stated
that he plays with money.
The DA Support Worker asked W.A. whether she considered her husband’s activity to be
gambling. W.A. responded, “I don’t think he is gambling because he doesn’t go to casinos. He is
always at home after work and plays games online with money.”
The DA Support Worker explained that gambling does not only take place in casinos and that
there are different forms of gambling, including online gambling and activities involving money
where there is an element of chance or betting. W.A. stated, “I didn’t know people do online
gambling or playing online games with money is a form of gambling.”
The client is currently working with the DA Support Worker on a 1:1 basis to increase her
understanding of different forms of domestic abuse, including financial, psychological and
emotional abuse. She is also receiving emotional support and information to help her
understand her options and access appropriate services.
The DA Support Worker provided W.A. with information regarding available support and
encouraged her to consider appropriate professional help for her husband in relation to his
gambling behaviour. W.A. stated that she would encourage her husband to seek professional
support.
At present, W.A. does not wish to leave the relationship. She explained that her immigration
circumstances are one of the factors influencing her decision and that she would like to give her
husband an opportunity to change his behaviour. However, she will continue to engage in 1:1
support session with the DA Support Worker. As she needs to bring her baby with her to
appointments, arrangements will continue to take this into consideration.
W.A. also stated that she would be interested in attending future gambling awareness
workshops to increase her understanding of gambling-related harm and its potential impact on
individuals and families.
