DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BILL

Early day motion 820, tabled 12 March 2004 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 24 members.

That this House welcomes the Domestic Violence Bill overall but notes that it makes insufficient provision or protection for those victims of domestic violence who are subject to immigration control and the 'no recourse to public funds' requirement; notes that many of these people remain economically dependent on a violent spouse, partner or relative which prevents them from leaving for fear of destitution; further notes that this makes them and their children vulnerable to further abuse and exploitation; further notes that in many other countries victims in this situation are granted access to public funds; calls for such victims in the UK, shown by research to be a relatively small number, to be exempted from the restriction on public funds; and proposes that the Secretary of State recover such funds from the sponsor, providing the victim or family are not put at risk of further harm.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, Liberal Democrat 4, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.