Settlement as a Victim of Domestic Violence
This route is designed to protect victims and allow them to remain safely in the UK without relying on an abusive partner.
Indefinite Leave to Remain for Victims of Domestic Abuse (SET(DV) & EUSS)
If you are in the UK on a partner visa and your relationship has broken down due to domestic violence or abuse, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) under the SET(DV) route. We also assist EU Settlement Scheme applicants where domestic abuse has affected their circumstances.
This route is designed to protect victims and allow them to remain safely in the UK without relying on an abusive partner.
SET(DV) – Settlement for Victims on Partner Visas
Who Can Apply for SET(DV)?
You may be eligible if:
- You are in the UK on a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner visa
- Your relationship has permanently broken down due to domestic violence or abuse
- Your partner is a British citizen or holds Indefinite Leave to Remain
Domestic abuse can include:
- Physical violence
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Financial control
- Coercive or controlling behaviour
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Provide evidence that the relationship has ended due to domestic abuse
- Show they were last granted leave as a partner
- Meet suitability requirements (good character, no serious criminality)
Benefits of SET(DV)
- Immediate settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- No requirement to complete the usual 5-year route
- Full right to work and access public funds
Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC)
Before applying for SET(DV), eligible applicants can apply for the Destitution Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC).
What is DDVC?
The DDVC provides:
- Temporary leave for 3 months
- Access to public funds
- Time to prepare a SET(DV) application
This is especially important for individuals who are financially dependent on their partner.
EUSS – Domestic Abuse Cases
Settlement Under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
If you applied under the EU Settlement Scheme as a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen and your relationship has broken down due to domestic violence, you may still qualify for status.
Eligibility Under EUSS
You may be eligible if:
- You are or were the family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss national
- The relationship ended due to domestic abuse
- You were living in the UK before 31 December 2020
- You meet residence requirements
Your Rights Under EUSS
Victims of domestic abuse can:
- Retain their right of residence independently
- Apply for Pre-Settled or Settled Status
- Continue living and working in the UK without reliance on the abusive partner
Evidence for Domestic Violence Applications
Applicants may provide:
- Police reports or criminal convictions
- Medical records
- Court orders (e.g. non-molestation orders)
- Letters from social services or support organisations
- Statements from professionals (GPs, charities, support workers)
We help you prepare strong evidence even where documentation is limited.
Our Domestic Violence Immigration Services
We provide confidential and sensitive legal support, including:
- SET(DV) Indefinite Leave to Remain applications
- Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC) applications
- EUSS retained rights applications
- Emergency immigration advice
- Complex and discretionary cases
We understand the urgency and sensitivity of these cases and offer a supportive, professional service.
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