Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Paragraph: 20
We heard worrying evidence about the impact of the NRPF condition on survivors of domestic...
Conclusion
We heard worrying evidence about the impact of the NRPF condition on survivors of domestic violence, including children. We are pleased that the Government has launched the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme pilot, in addition to the support offered through the Destitution Domestic Violence Concession. We are, however, concerned the pilot ended on 31 March 2022, and now parents and children with NRPF will once again lack the support they need to leave abusive relationships.
Paragraph Reference:
20
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government is committed to supporting all victims of domestic abuse. Anyone who has suffered domestic abuse must be treated as a victim first and foremost, regardless of immigration status. Support is already provided to migrant victims of domestic abuse who have entered the UK on certain partner or spousal visas through the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession, which enables eligible individuals to access public funds for three months, which can be used to fund safe accommodation and other support. These migrant victims can also apply for settlement under the Domestic Violence Indefinite Leave to Remain Rules. The intention is to safeguard victims of domestic abuse by offering them an immigration status and financial support that is independent of their abusive partner. The Support for Migrant Victims pilot provided wraparound support services for migrant victims of domestic abuse with no recourse to public funds, including accommodation, subsistence, and counselling. The pilot and independent evaluation by Behavioural Insights Ltd, aims to help to build the evidence-base needed to better understand the diverse needs of the migrant population, which in turn should inform any future changes in policy. The evaluators will be producing their final report in Summer 2022. The timeline for when any policy recommendations will be implemented is dependent on the details of those recommendations, but these decisions will be taken as soon as practicable. In the interim, we will provide £1.4 million in 2022–23 to continue to fund support for migrant victims of domestic abuse, while we take on board vital lessons learned from the pilot to inform our future policy decisions.