Victims of domestic violence

This page explains how to apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK (known as 'indefinite leave to remain') if you are a victim of domestic violence and how to notify us if you need to access public funds. It also provides contact details for organisations offering support and advice to victims.

Applying for permission to settle here as a victim of domestic violence (Settlement DV)

If your relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK has broken down as a result of domestic violence, you may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain here. This is also referred to as permission to settle here permanently.

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

  • you have been given  permission to enter or remain in the UK as the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried/same-sex partner of a British citizen or a person settled here (even if that permission is no longer valid);
  • your relationship was existing and genuine (not a 'marriage of convenience', for example) when you were last given permission to enter or remain or you were last given leave in order to access public funds while you applied for indefinite leave on the basis of domestic violence; and
  • you were the victim of domestic violence, and this is what caused the relationship to break down before the end of your permission to enter or remain.

You should apply using application form SET(DV) .

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The Destitution Domestic Violence (DDV) concession

The introduction of the Destitution Domestic Violence (DDV) concession replaces the successful Sojourner project. It is aimed at protecting those eligible under the DDV concession who are victims of domestic abuse, by allowing them to notify us that they need to access public funds while they make a claim for indefinite leave to remain as a victim of domestic violence.

From 1 April 2012 migrants will be able to apply under the Destitution Domestic Violence (DDV) concession.

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Biometric residence permits (BRP)

If you are given permission to stay in the UK for more than 6 months you must enrol your biometric information, so you can be issued with a biometric residence permit. This means that if you qualify for leave under the DDV concession you will need to enrol your biometric information, if you have not already done so.

What is a biometric residence permit?

A biometric residence permit is a residence permit which holds your biographic details (name, date and place of birth) and your biometric information (facial image and fingerprints). It also shows your immigration status and entitlements while you are in the UK.

If you need to get a biometric residence permit we will send you a letter giving information about how enrol your biometric information.  When you have received our letter, please make sure you enrol your biometric information as soon as possible. This will avoid any delays in processing your application.

Is there a fee for a biometric residence permit?

Unlike most biometric residence permit applications there will be no fee, if 

  • your request is made on the DDV concession notification form; and 
  • you qualify for leave under the DDV concession. 

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You can notify the UK Border Agency of your need to access public funds under this policy if:

  • you entered the UK or were given leave to remain in the UK as a spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same sex partner of a British Citizen or someone present and settled in the UK; and
  • your relationship has broken down due to domestic violence; and
  • you do not have the means to access accommodation or to support yourself and need financial help; and
  • you are going to make a claim to stay permanently in the UK under the Domestic Violence Immigration Rule (Settlement DV)

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Why will I be contacting the UK Border Agency?

You will be telling us that you need a change to your leave to allow you to apply to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for financial help while you make an application to stay permanently in the UK under the Domestic Violence Immigration Rule (Settlement DV). 

If we consider you to be in a position to apply for assistance you will be given 3 months limited leave to enable you to stay in the UK with access to benefits.

If you do not need financial help you can apply directly to stay permanently in the UK under the Domestic Violence Immigration Rule (Settlement DV)

Please note that notifications from migrants in any other categories such as work, study, refugees or visitors will not qualify.

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How does the notification process work?

You should notify us using the notification form Protecting victims of domestic violence (DDV).

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Domestic violence helplines

If you are a victim of domestic violence, helplines 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.

A list of helplines can be found on the right side of this page.

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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.

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