Domestic abuse & No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
Posted by Jenni James on 18 June 2025
One of the conditions placed on those entering the UK can be that the person arriving is not permitted to use public funds – known as ‘No Recourse to Public funds’ (NRPF). This can deny the individual access to welfare benefits and local authority housing, even if they are married to a UK citizen.
Not having recourse to public funds decreases the support available for victims/survivors of domestic abuse and can have an adverse effect on their ability to live independently if they are forced out of their homes and need to seek safety. A 2020 report from Women for Refugee Women found that more than three quarters of women seeking asylum in the UK have experienced some form of gender-based abuse. The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales estimates that 32,000 victims/survivors with NRPF would come forward each year if support was available – just one of the many barriers faced by refugee and migrant women who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Impacts of migration on victims & survivors
Compounded isolation
Isolation is a key characteristic of domestic abuse. For those who have moved or had to flee to a new country, this will only increase, as support networks like family and friends are even more distant.
Increased dependency
In many cases, migration status is directly tied to an individual’s relationship with their spouse or fiancé. For those experiencing domestic abuse, this may make leaving the relationship seem even more impossible. It also adds to the power imbalance between perpetrators and victim/survivor, increasing the opportunity for abuse.
What help is available?
In an emergency, always call the police – everyone has a right to do this, regardless of migration status.
Domestic abuse survivors who don’t have recourse to public funds are still able to contact support services like the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and Women’s Aid. The organisation Rights of Women also has telephone helplines for women needing legal advice, including on immigration and asylum issues.
Other organisations that specialise in supporting BME women with no recourse to public funds include Southall Black Sisters and the Angelou Centre (north east England only). Beauty For Ashes Refuges provides refuge accommodation to migrant women with NRPF.
The Support for Migrant Scheme (SMV)
This pilot scheme seeks to provide routes to safety for survivors of domestic and gender-based abuse who have no recourse to public funds. Individuals experiencing domestic abuse may be able to access safe, temporary accommodation and other kinds of support. In order to access the scheme, an individual must be referred by a council, third sector agency or a statutory body. More information can be found here.
The Survivors Network
Our online network for female survivors of domestic abuse is open to anyone. embers receive access to an archive of information about faith and recovery from domestic abuse, as well as a free copy of our Survivors Handbook.
Find out more