Reporting to the police should not be more dangerous than staying with the perpetrator
Migrant women are disproportionately impacted by serious crime. As recognised by the government, this vulnerability is linked to the limited avenues for support available due to their insecure immigration status. Moreover, perpetrators and exploiters weaponise women’s status to limit their options further, keeping them trapped in harm. Amongst migrant victims of crime, one of the … Read more
The Domestic Abuse Bill is in its final stages before Royal Assent. Last night at the House of Commons, Minister Victoria Atkins announced two new clauses to the Bill regarding safe reporting and data-sharing. We welcome the clauses and are pleased to see some progress on ensuring migrant victims’ details are not shared with the … Read more
Lucia* came to LAWRS as she was experiencing gender-based abuse in what was assessed as a high-risk case. With the support of her caseworker, she reported her perpetrator to the police. But instead of investigating her perpetrator, the police prioritised her undocumented status and referred her to the Home Office. A few days later, Immigration … Read more
The government will set out its version of the Domestic Abuse Bill to Parliament today. The Step Up Migrant Women coalition welcome the Bill but warn it risks leaving behind migrant and BME women who have experienced abuse. Campaigners have welcomed the government’s reintroduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill to Parliament but warn it will … Read more
A group of feminists have put together the below policy statement detailing what the government and local authorities must do to support migrant women and girls fleeing violence during the pandemic. We are building on an earlier open letter of March 2020 on this issue, organised by the Step Up Migrant Women Colaition, as we … Read more
The Domestic Abuse Bill is in its final stages before Royal Assent. Last night at the House of Commons, Minister Victoria Atkins announced two new clauses to the Bill regarding safe reporting and data-sharing. We welcome the clauses and are pleased to see some progress on ensuring migrant victims’ details are not shared with the … Read more
[#16Voices: 16 days of activism 2017] Every year, from the 25th of November (International day to end violence against women and girls) to the 10th of December (International Human Rights Day), women’s experiences are amplified to voice agency, dignity and empowerment. These 16 days of activism, the Step Up Migrant Women UK campaign has released #16Voices … Read more
The Domestic Abuse Bill has been described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tackle this crime affecting more than 2 million people per year in the United Kingdom, and which women are more likely to experience. However, to make this Bill truly transformational, it needs to guarantee that all victims/survivors are protected without discrimination. For the … Read more
Today, the House of Commons will consider the Domestic Abuse Bill the three amendments on migrant women passed with cross-party support by Peers at the House of Lords. If the Government has a real commitment to tackling domestic abuse, provisions of safety must be provided to all victims and survivors without discrimination. Together with Southall … Read more
Today, 5th of January, the Domestic Abuse Bill is back to Parliament after multiple delays and in the context of an increase in domestic abuse cases as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the House of Lords will have a critical opportunity to ensure the Domestic Abuse Bill becomes a truly gold-standard piece … Read more