Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 25 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 February 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 10 March 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigrants: Domestic Violence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance she has provided to (a) local authorities and (b) voluntary agencies on women whose insecure immigration status is being assessed on the no recourse to public funds rule in the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004; if she will bring forward proposals to amend the Act to provide funding for such women; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: In February 2006, guidance and a factsheet were issued to all local authority chief executives alerting them to the key issues experienced by these women and setting out how they can be helped through other legislative processes.We have also commissioned the development of a step-by-step guide for women in black and minority ethnic communities who are victims of domestic violence. It will provide practical advice on how victims, and agencies supporting victims, can protect themselves and their children. This will be published in spring 2008.Soon we will be announcing a new scheme where victims of domestic violence who have no recourse to public funds may be able to have their housing and living costs met linked to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) criteria. The proposals under the new scheme will strengthen the way in which domestic violence cases are considered enabling those victims who are vulnerable to access further support.

Secondary information