Written question asked by Baroness Featherstone (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 4 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 July 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 17 July 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Domestic Violence: Victim Support Schemes

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when she plans to begin the new scheme targeted at domestic violence victims with no recourse to public funds, which will pay their housing and living costs if they are granted indefinite leave to remain;

Answer: The development of the new scheme which will provide support to victims of domestic violence who are successful in applying for indefinite leave to remain is currently being negotiated and will be implemented later in the year. 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 additional support. Details of the scheme will be made available shortly.We have established a national stakeholder advisory group on domestic violence which includes representation from organisations supporting women with no recourse to public funds. We will soon also set up a national Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) working group of Government, statutory agencies and third sector organisations that will promote a partnership approach to issues on domestic and sexual violence, forced marriage, so called honour crimes and female genital mutilation. The aim of the group will be to identify and develop actions and practical tools to assist victims and potential victims of these crimes.

Secondary information