Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they intend to take to ensure that victims of domestic abuse can access support and protection during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what plans they have to provide publicly funded services to migrant victims without recourse to public funds in line with the commitment of the Welsh Government.

Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what the stresses. We are working closely with the sector, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and the police to understand the impact of COVID-19 on domestic abuse.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chancellor has announced a funding package of £750 million to support charities including those providing domestic abuse services. The Home Office has announced an additional £2 million in funding to support technological capability such as specialist helplines and websites.

We have also launched a new campaign to signpost victims to the support services available. The campaign, under the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, aims to reassure those affected by domestic abuse that support services remain available during this difficult time.

Non-British victims of domestic abuse who are residing in the UK and who are not already eligible for the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession are able to apply for support from local authorities regardless of their immigration status. A £3.2 billion package of funding has been allocated to local authorities to help them respond to pressures across all the services they deliver and support individuals on the basis of need.