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Campaign group Southall Black Sisters and 26 other women`s and human rights groups have hailed the change in rules as a victory. Until now, such foreign nationals did not have recourse to public funds. The Home Office announced that the new scheme targeted at such victims will assist foreign national spouses and partners who are victims of domestic violence. It provides victims, who would otherwise be destitute or have no access to public funds, with an avenue to escape abuse and access vital support services.
The scheme, announced by Immigration minister Damian Green, follows a successful pilot scheme, the Sojourner Project, which helped 1,522 individuals. The government estimates that each year this scheme will help 500 people to escape from abusive relationships across the UK. Immigration Minister Damian Green said: "Domestic violence is a terrible crime affecting people of all ages and backgrounds and this government is determined to tackle it. No one should be forced to stay in an abusive relationship and this scheme helps victims in genuine need escape violence and harm and seek the support they deserve."
