Overview

This document details amendments to the UK's Domestic Abuse Bill, primarily focusing on data sharing concerning immigration status for victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, provision of support for migrant victims, and improved monitoring of serial domestic abuse and stalking perpetrators.

Description

The amendments center around three key areas:

Data Sharing and Immigration Status:

Amendments aim to prevent the use of personal data from victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, obtained while seeking support or providing evidence, for immigration control purposes. This includes guidance for those providing support and immigration officials. A review of existing data-sharing procedures is mandated before implementation.

Support for Migrant Victims:

Amendments propose a pilot scheme to temporarily remove restrictions on recourse to public funds for migrant victims of domestic abuse who provide evidence of their abuse. Following the pilot, a long-term support strategy will be developed.

Monitoring of Serial Perpetrators:

Amendments aim to enhance monitoring of serial and high-risk domestic abuse and stalking perpetrators under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). This includes a review of current practices and the development of a comprehensive prevention and perpetrator strategy.

Government Spending

The amendments related to support for migrant victims (Amendment 41B) could involve increased government spending, although exact figures are not specified. The Commons initially disagreed with Amendment 41 due to potential public fund implications.

Groups Affected

• Victims of domestic abuse: May benefit from improved protection of their data and increased access to support, especially migrant victims.
• Witnesses of domestic abuse: Similar data protection benefits as victims.
• Migrant victims of domestic abuse: May gain access to public funds and services during a pilot scheme and potentially beyond.
• Organisations supporting domestic abuse victims: Will be involved in the implementation of the new measures and may receive guidance.
• Immigration officials: Will be subject to new guidelines regarding data usage.
• Serial domestic abuse and stalking perpetrators: Will face enhanced monitoring and risk assessment.

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