People with no recourse to public funds who experience domestic abuse can get information and advice from domestic abuse support services and may be able to access short-term accommodation and financial support from the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme when they do not qualify for support from their council or the Home Office.
The following organisations may be able to provide people with no recourse to public funds with general information and advice:
See also the government information about how to get help.
The Support for Migrant Victims Scheme (SMV) may be able to provide safe accommodation for up to 12 weeks and other assistance to survivors of domestic or gender-related abuse who are destitute and have no recourse to public funds.
The scheme will give priority to 'survivors who do not currently have an established route to settlement although in some exceptional circumstances bridging support will be available to those who are otherwise eligible for the DDVC [now Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse concession], asylum support, local authority or other state assistance'.
Referrals to the scheme need to be made by a council, third sector agency, or statutory body.
For more information about the eligibility requirements and referral process, see the Southall Black Sisters website.
