A financial support scheme for domestic abuse survivors who would not normally qualify for income support has been praised for its “promising” effects so far.

The Domestic Abuse Concession provides up to 13 weeks of financial support to victims of domestic abuse who would not normally qualify for Income Support – such as those with less than five years’ residency in Jersey or those subject to immigration conditions.

In a letter to the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel this week, Assistant Chief Minister Carina Alves said that the scheme has “had promising and positive effects for victim-survivors” so far.

The Domestic Abuse Concession was introduced last year following recommendations from the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls report.

The VAWG report found that that Jersey should introduce a initiative similar to those available in the UK for migrant victims on spouse and work visas to enable them to access public funds and the safety such support provides.

The 13-week financial support period is designed to mirror UK provisions and is granted to eligible applicants referred by Jersey Domestic Abuse Support and Freeda.

During this time, applicants are not subject to means testing or work requirements, and the support covers living and accommodation costs for the individual and any dependent children.

This ensures that victims can leave an abusive relationship and have time to make plans for their future.

Although the VAWG report was based on the experience of women and girls, the financial support is also available to men and boys who are the subject of abuse.

The cost is estimated at around £5,500 per household for the duration of the support.

Express has asked the Government to confirm how many people have benefitted from the scheme since it was introduced.

Deputy Alves also revealed that the Government is set to update the Domestic Abuse Concession guidance to support applications further.

She explained: “Officers are working closely with support services who support those applying for the concession to hear their feedback on how the concession is currently working, to amend the current guidance to support applications further.”

The Assistant Chief Minister added that works is also underway with Jersey Customs and Immigration to better understand what groups are most vulnerable and how to support them through their applications.

You can find out more about the Domestic Abuse Concession online.