PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Migrants: Domestic Abuse (19 October 2021)

This Government is committed to supporting all victims of domestic abuse, regardless of immigration status. We know that access to safe accommodation can be a vital lifeline for those fleeing an abusive situation.

In April this year the Home Office launched the £1.5 million Support for Migrant Victims Scheme to support migrant victims of domestic abuse who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). The pilot is being run by Southall Black Sisters and their delivery partners for a duration of 12 months and provides accommodation and wrap-around support. We have also appointed an independent evaluator, Behavioural Insights Ltd, to assess the Scheme, with a view to producing a final report in Summer 2022. The Scheme will help the Government secure an accurate picture of the support needs of migrant victims of domestic abuse and will inform subsequent policy decisions.

We already offer support to migrant victims of domestic abuse in the UK as a partner under the family Immigration Rules, through our Destitute Domestic Violence Concession, which enables individuals to access public funds for three months and can be used to fund safe accommodation. These victims can also apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) under the Domestic Violence Indefinite Leave to Remain Rules.