SURVIVORS of domestic abuse who don’t usually qualify for income support because of residency or visa restrictions can now receive immediate assistance to help them leave abusive relationships, a report has revealed.
The first annual Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) progress report, published last week, confirmed that victims on spouse and work visas who have not met the five-year residency requirement may now qualify for government benefits under an updated policy brought in last September.
It comes after the VAWG Taskforce – a group of stakeholders set up to investigate gender-based violence in Jersey – called for a specific concession to ensure newcomers to the Island are not trapped in abusive situations due to their immigration status.
Kate Wright, who chaired the Taskforce, said: “Survivors often feel unable to report abuse for fear of losing their immigration status, and face high evidential barriers when applying for residency in their own right.”
Social Security Minister Lyndsey Feltham last August agreed to reduce the residency requirement for income support to three years in exceptional cases – including domestic abuse, serious illness, and the death of a partner.
An even shorter one-year requirement now applies to domestic abuse victims with children.
To qualify, however, applicants must provide evidence of abuse.
Responding to questions about how this process works in cases of coercive control – a pattern of psychological and emotional abuse that may not leave physical evidence – Jersey Domestic and Sexual Abuse Support service manager Sarah Hamon urged victims not to be put off.
“Coercive control can be hard to identify, understand and prove,” she admitted.
“However, this should not deter people from coming forward to JDAS, Freeda, or the police, where they will be heard and supported.”
Ms Hamon explained that evidence could include digital media, descriptions of behaviour, and statements from witnesses.
She also noted that JCIS officers have received training in recognising coercive and controlling behaviour, and that JDAS works closely with JCIS and the Employment and Social Security Housing (ESSH) team to support those affected.
“Several JDAS service users subjected to such abuse have been supported to understand their viable options and make informed choices,” said Ms Hamon.
