Migrant victims of domestic violence and abuse — latest news
Rights of Women update: Changes to settlement policy for migrant victims of domestic abuse
On March 26, Rights of Women welcomed Home Office policy changes improving access to justice for migrant survivors of domestic abuse.
These are:
- Barriers for dependent children applying for settlement alongside their parent after domestic abuse have been removed
- Changes have been made to UKVI guidance which seek to address VAWG organisations’ concerns about the handling of counter-allegations of domestic abuse.
Alongside this, the Home Office has made changes to its assessment of types of evidence of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse professionals and immigration advisers supporting migrant victims applying for settlement will need to consider these changes in their work.
Rights of Women plan to publish more guidance on the changes in due course.
Barriers removed for dependent children applying for settlement after domestic abuse
After more than two years of campaigning for change, Rights of Women has confirmed that the government has scrapped a policy that was undermining children from getting settlement alongside their mothers after fleeing domestic abuse.
They have further details here.
Fund for migrant victim-survivors of domestic violence with NRPF
Southall Black Sisters have a fund for migrant victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse who have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and are experiencing destitution.
Funding provides short-term support for up to 12–16 weeks, helping victim-survivors access safe accommodation and basic living costs while longer-term immigration and support options are explored.
The fund is available to frontline professionals and organisations supporting migrant victim-survivors, particularly where individuals are unable to access statutory support due to their immigration status.
Accommodation funding is available up to £385 per week. Subsistence support is £80 per week, with an additional £15 per week per child and funding is paid in arrears once it has been approved and allocated.
You can download the application package here.
Navigating the Exceptional Case Funding scheme without a lawyer
A new policy report (pdf) analyses the accessibility of the scheme for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse making Exceptional Case Funding applications under Immigration and Family law.
Finally, do check out our article by colleagues at Hibiscus on Safe housing for Black and minoritised migrant women.
