Understanding behaviours and expectations in the UK: a guide for asylum seekers (accessible)
Published 19 August 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
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Living in the UK
You are in the United Kingdom (UK) because you are seeking asylum.
We understand that coming to a new country can be diffi cult, and that laws and customs here may be different from your home country.
In the UK, there are laws that protect everyone’s safety, dignity and rights. It is important that you understand them, because not following UK law can have serious consequences. You could get in trouble with the police, lose your asylum support, or it could affect your asylum claim.
This booklet will help you understand what is expected of you when living in the UK.
These rules and expectations are not just for people seeking asylum, they apply to everyone living here.
If you have questions about anything in this booklet, speak to staff at your accommodation or contact Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503.
If you or someone you know needs help because of abuse, violence or crime, there is a list of organisations that can support you at the end of this booklet.
Gender equality
In the UK, men and women have equal rights. This is an important part of UK culture and is protected by law.
Women can:
- work and earn their own money
- study and go to school or university
- travel freely
- choose who they marry, or choose not to marry
- make their own decisions about their lives
Women do not need permission from a husband, father, brother or any other man to do any of these things.
Men and women are treated equally by the law, by employers, by schools and by services like hospitals and the police. It is against the law to treat someone unfairly because of their gender.
What is expected of you
Everyone in the UK is expected to treat men and women equally. Even if you are a family member, like a husband, father or brother, you must never:
- stop a woman from working or studying
- control what a woman wears or where she goes
- stop a woman from seeing friends or family
- make decisions for a woman without her agreement
What could happen if you do not follow these rules
Treating someone unfairly because of their gender can have serious consequences. If your behaviour is controlling or threatening, it may also be treated as domestic abuse, which is a crime. You could get into trouble with the police, lose your accommodation and support, and it could affect your asylum claim. There is more information about domestic abuse in the next section.
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is when someone hurts, threatens, or controls their partner or family member. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, age, or background.
Domestic abuse includes:
- physical violence – hitting, pushing, kicking, or any physical harm
- threats – saying you will hurt someone or making them afraid
- controlling behaviour – controlling someone’s money, where they go, or who they can see
- emotional abuse – criticism, humiliation, or making someone feel worthless
- taking away documents – keeping someone’s passport or identity documents from them
What is expected of you
You are expected to:
- treat your partner and family with respect
- let them make their own choices
- never physically or verbally abuse or control them
Domestic abuse is a serious crime in the UK. If you do any of the behaviours in the list, you could be arrested and go to prison, lose your accommodation and support, and it could affect your asylum claim.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse
You do not have to stay with someone who hurts or controls you. Help is available, and you will be treated with dignity and respect.
Reporting abuse will not negatively affect your asylum claim.
Domestic Abuse Helpline England: 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid Scotland: 0800 027 1234
Live Fear Free Helpline Wales: 0808 80 10 800
Domestic Abuse Helpline Northern Ireland: 0808 802 1414
In an emergency, always call 999
If you are worried about your own behaviour, you can get help. Migrant Help can refer you to specialist support: 0808 8010 503
Sex and consent
Consent means both people freely agree to sex or sexual contact. In the UK, the law is clear and strict: both people must agree to sex or sexual contact of any kind. This means:
- both people must say yes freely, without threat or pressure
- someone can change their mind at any time, even if they said yes before
- if someone is asleep, drunk, or unable to respond, they cannot consent
Consent is needed in every situation. This means even if you are married or in a relationship with someone, they must consent to sex every time.
If you have sex with someone without their consent, this is called rape. Rape is a serious crime in the UK. You could go to prison, lose your support and accommodation, and it will affect your asylum claim.
What is expected of you
You are expected to:
- always make sure the other person freely and clearly agrees to sex or sexual contact
- never use threat, force or pressure to make someone have sex
- never try to have sex with someone who is asleep, drunk, or unable to consent clearly
- stop if they say no or change their mind
The legal age of consent
The legal age of consent in the UK is 16. This means that anyone under the age of 16 is considered a child and cannot legally agree to have sex.
Sex with someone under the age of 16 is a serious crime in the UK. There are no exceptions to this rule. Even if they say yes, it is still illegal. You could go to prison, lose your support and accommodation, and it will affect your asylum claim.
If this has happened to you
If you have experienced sexual abuse or assault, support is available. You will be treated with respect and dignity. Anyone of any age or gender can get help.
The numbers for Rape Crisis in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are available at the end of this booklet.
You can report to the police by calling 999. Reporting will not negatively affect your asylum claim.
Respect in public
In the UK, people have different beliefs, religions, cultures, relationships and ways of life. You must treat others with respect, even if you disagree with their beliefs or how they live.
What is expected of you
When you are in public spaces, alone or with friends, you must never:
- make sexual comments to someone, even if you think it is a compliment
- whistle or make kissing noises at someone
- follow someone or block their path
- make rude or offensive gestures
- verbally abuse someone because of their gender, religion, or how they look
Taking photographs and videos
In the UK, we respect people’s privacy. This means you must not take photographs or videos of someone without their consent.
It is a serious crime to:
- take sexual images of someone without their consent
- share sexual images of someone without their consent
If you do any of these things, you could be arrested and go to prison, lose your accommodation and support, and it could affect your asylum claim.
Getting help
If you have questions about anything you have read in this booklet or want more information, speak to staff at your accommodation.
If you think you may be a victim, or know someone who is, help is available. Getting help or reporting a crime will not negatively affect your asylum claim.
Emergency contacts
For emergencies or to report a crime:
Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) 999
Police (non-emergency) 101
NHS urgent medical help 111
Asylum support
For independent advice and support specifically for asylum seekers:
Migrant Help: 0808 8010 503
Domestic abuse
If you are being hurt, threatened or controlled by a partner or family member:
Domestic Abuse Helpline England: 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid Scotland: 0800 027 1234
Live Fear Free Helpline Wales: 0808 80 10 800
Domestic Abuse Helpline Northern Ireland: 0808 802 1414
Sexual abuse and rape
If you have experience sexual violence or assault:
Rape Crisis England and Wales: 0808 500 222
Rape Crisis Scotland: 08088 01 03 02
Rape Crisis Northern Ireland: 0800 0246 991
Forced Marriage Unit: 020 7008 0151
Mental health
If you are struggling with your mental health and need someone to talk to:
Samaritans: 116 123 / www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help