Jump to content

Victims of domestic violence

This page explains how to apply for permission to live permanently in the United Kingdom (known as 'indefinite leave to remain') if you are a victim of domestic violence. It also provides contact details for organisations offering support and advice to victims.

Applying for permission to live here permanently as a victim of domestic violence

If your relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the United Kingdom has broken down as a result of domestic violence, you may be able to apply for permission to live permanently in the United Kingdom.

To be given permission to live here permanently as a victim of domestic violence, you must prove that:

You should apply using application form SET(DV). The current application fee is £820 (plus £50 for each dependant included in the application), but you can ask for this fee to be waived if you are destitute. The SET(DV) guidance notes contain further information.

Some domestic violence support organisations can give you a letter to support your application, which you may need as evidence that you are a victim of domestic violence. Organisations have to be registered on the Home Office's Annexe AB list before they can write these letters.

back to top

Domestic violence helplines

If you are a victim of domestic violence, the helplines below can give you practical help and advice including:

  • emergency refuge accommodation;
  • safety planning and advice; and
  • translation facilities if you have difficulty communicating in English.

Calls to these helplines are free except where shown.

Helpline Phone number Opening hours
National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 24 hours a day
Northern Ireland Domestic Violence Helpline 0800 917 1414 24 hours a day
Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 027 1234 24 hours a day
Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 80 10 800 24 hours a day
Men's Advice Line (for male victims of domestic violence) 0845 064 6800 Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm
Dyn Wales Helpline (for male victims of domestic violence in Wales) 0808 801 0321 Monday and Tuesday, 10am-4pm.
Wednesday, 10am-1pm
Southall Black Sisters (for black women victims of domestic violence) 020 8571 9595
(calls are not free)		 Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm


 

back to top

Asylum seekers experiencing domestic violence

You can get help if you are an asylum applicant and you are a victim of domestic violence from your partner or another member of your family.

For more information, see the Domestic violence page in the Asylum section of this website.

back to top