SURVIVORS of domestic abuse who do not usually qualify for income support because of residency or visa restrictions will now be able to receive immediate financial assistance to help them leave abusive relationships, under new measures announced by the Social Security Minister.
The policy from Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, which was introduced following recommendations in a Violence Against Women and Girls report, aims to provide temporary funding to help get Islanders back on their feet.
The change applies to people who do not meet the five-year residency requirement for income support, as well as those with certain visa conditions.
The financial assistance provided is equivalent to income support rates, covering living and accommodation costs for the applicant and any dependent children.
Deputy Feltham said: “This support will be provided under Article 8 of the Income Support Law and will be available to any person who requests it and is being supported by JDAS or FREEDA.”
To access the support, individuals must be referred by Jersey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support or FREEDA (Free From Domestic Abuse – formally Jersey Women’s Refuge).
Applications will be processed by the Customer and Local Services safeguarding team.
While the VAWG report focuses on women and girls, the support will also be available to men and boys who are subject to abuse.
