UK to help NRI victims of domestic abuse

The pilot scheme,which has so far helped more than 250 women — including Indians,will continue until March 2011.

The scheme provides support to victims in the UK on a spouse or partner visa who have been forced to leave their home because of domestic violence.

Before the pilot began in November last year,women in this situation were not eligible for state benefits or housing,as leaving the family home invalidates their visa.

Speaking at a Women’s Aid conference,May said that stopping violence against women would be a “priority for the government.”

“I believe I have a unique opportunity to bring about real change to the lives and the status of women in this country and my ambition is nothing less than ending violence against women and girls,” she said.

She also confirmed that the government would reverse the decline in rape crisis centres.

It will look at how to fund 15 new centres,and measures to provide more stable funding for existing centres.