On 1 July 2025, Drummond Miller’s Sarah Jack was invited by Fife Violence Against Women Partnership (FVAWP) to share a legal perspective on the various challenges faced by migrants who are survivors of honour-based abuse. The event brought together several professionals to discuss the prevalence and impact of honour-based abuse among migrant communities in Scotland, with additional presentations from Pragna Patel from Project Resist, Dr Elaine McLaughlin from Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid, and Sweety Sharma from Shakti Women’s Aid.
Honour-based abuse disproportionately affects women and girls, and for migrant women arriving in the UK on a partner-dependent visa, the consequences can be especially serious. Migrants on a partner-dependent visa are granted immigration leave for a limited period, with strict conditions on their right to access public funds. For those on the 10-year route to settlement, these restrictions can last for years, leaving survivors in an impossible position. Often, they may feel forced to remain in abusive environments out of fear of becoming destitute if they leave.
During the session, we discussed the practical legal options available to survivors seeking to escape situations of honour-based abuse. There are two main routes that can allow survivors to gain access to public funds - applying for the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC), or making an application to the Home Office to lift the restriction on public funds attached to their immigration leave. Both options can provide a crucial safety net for survivors seeking to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
This event aimed to highlight the issue of honour-based abuse among migrant communities in the UK, and address the unique barriers migrant women can face in seeking help. If you would like our advice or assistance on any immigration matters, or advice on applying for the MVDAC, then please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced solicitors in our immigration team.
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