Short relief for victims of domestic abuse is not enough. 

We welcome the announcement made by the Home Office on 16^th February 2024 on the new changes that affect victims of domestic abuse in the UK. The Migrant Victim of Domestic Abuse concession (MVDAC) formerly known as Destitute Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC) has seen changes that provide temporary relief for Victims of domestic abuse who are partners to a UK migrant worker or student or graduate. Victims will be able to apply for recourse to public funds towards support to live independently from the abuser for three months. The new changes are only a stop – gap measure that provides a window of opportunity for victims and their children to get away from the abuser. On expiry of 3 months, victims will have to pursue other immigration routes for more support which are not guaranteed as not every applicant is eligible. Another option under the new changes is for victims to return to their countries of origin, which puts them at increased risk of falling back into the hands of their abusers. 

The victim also faces the risk of homelessness and the risk of falling into the hands of trafficking gangs who prey on vulnerable victims.  

Our stand as an organisation is for the UK Government to standardise legislation on supporting women victims of violence and allow all victims to access public funds regardless of their immigration status. The UK is a signatory to international treaties that make provision for protection of women, but the government has continued to violate these treaties by enacting laws that make the UK a hostile environment for victims to seek protection and support.  

We appeal to the UK Government to reconsider their decision. 

For details on the new changes, check the link below: 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65cb36b273806a000cec772c/MVDAC_160224.pdf