I’m very pleased to let you know that the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme (SMV) competition has now gone live.
The purpose of the Scheme is to provide a support net for migrant victims of domestic abuse who do not have access to public funds and, as a result, are unable to access safe accommodation in order to escape abusive relationships. The Scheme will help to build the evidence-base we need to better understand the diverse needs of the migrant population to inform any future change in policy.
Development of the prospectus began following publication of the Government’s review of the response to migrant victims of domestic abuse in July 2020 and conclusion of the Commons committee stages of the Bill. We published a Draft Prospectus in October as a basis for engagement, in order to allow for comments, and feedback.
Some of you raised concern regarding the design of the Draft Prospectus and competition, including the amount of time allowed for bids to be made once the competition would open, the way in which immigration status would be verified and the amount that could be spent whilst ensuring safe support for victims.
Following this feedback, we gave due consideration to the points raised. As a result, a number of substantive changes and clarifications have been made and I am now pleased to let you know that we have now launched the competition on the Government’s Contract Finder website here.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all again, for the engagement and conversation those who engaged with us on the draft, and enabled us to design a scheme that centres migrant victims first. I appreciate the time that has been taken, during this really busy period, and look forward to continue working with you on this really important scheme.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with SMVscheme@homeoffice.gov.uk
Best wishes,
Lynne Abrams
Interpersonal Abuse Unit
Deputy Director, Crime Policing and Fire Group, Home Office