---

Domestic Violence

Answer

[holding answer 25 November 2009]: Statistical data confirm that in 2008, 1,342 indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applications under the domestic violence rule were received by the UK Border Agency (UKBA).Over the past year, the UKBA have made a number of amendments to their processes to assist this group of victims including;"Extensive revisions to the Domestic Violence Immigration Directorate Instructions""Substantial changes to the SET (DV) application form, for example eliminating duplications in checklists and providing more scope for applicants to explain the reasons why they cannot supply information""Implementing a new definition of destitution"The Home Office will be running a pilot from 30 November 2009 for a three month period for victims of domestic violence who entered the UK on a spouse or partner visa and consequently have no recourse to public funds.The pilot will provide upfront funding to the refuge provider to cover the essential housing and living costs incurred in supporting the victim while they make an application for ILR and await their decision from the UKBA. The funding will be available for a maximum of eight weeks.The pilot will be monitored and evaluated throughout with an overall evaluation being conducted in March 2010 which will assist in informing our next steps in developing a longer-term solution to the issue."Note:""The figures quoted have not been quality assured and are not a national statistic. It should be treated as provisional management information and may be subject to change."

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

501 c477W; 300623

Session

2009-10

Subjects

Domestic abuse Migrants

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk