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Domestic Violence (Immigrants)

Volume 400: debated on Monday 24 February 2003

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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the outcome of discussions between his Department, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Cabinet Office to address the issue of support for victims of domestic violence who are subject to immigration control. [97320]

We have widened the types of evidence acceptable to enable a victim of domestic violence to benefit from the concession under which a person in this position can apply for indefinite leave to remain. If evidence in the form of a court order or police caution is not available, we will accept more than one form of evidence from the following list:a medical report from a hospital doctor confirming that the applicant has injuries consistent with being the victim of domestic violence;a letter from a family practitioner who has examined the applicant and is satisfied that the applicant has injuries consistent with being the victim of domestic violence;an undertaking given to a court that the perpetrator of the violence will not approach the applicant who is the victim of the violence;a police report confirming attendance at the home of the applicant as a result of a domestic violence incident;a letter from a social services department confirming its involvement in connection with domestic violence; anda letter of support or report from a women's refuge.

The domestic violence concession was incorporated into the Immigration Rules in November 2002. This will ensure that domestic violence cases attract a right of appeal and that the facts of the case leading to the decision can be considered by the Appellate Authorities.

The Government is continuing to consider the issue of access to public funds.