HC Deb 18 September 2003 vol 410 c939W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend the introduction of the one year period of reflection rule in cases of domestic violence to asylum seeking women, and to women and children who are victims of trafficking for sexual purposes. [127281]

Beverley Hughes

There is provision in the Immigration Rules to assist those who have sought leave to enter based upon marriage, whose marriage subsequently breaks down during the probationary period as a result of domestic violence, to settle in the UK, providing they meet certain criteria. There are no plans at the moment to extend this provision to asylum seeking women, or to women and children who are victims of trafficking for sexual purposes. We believe there are already adequate safeguards in the system for their protection, and that decisions on each case should be made on the basis of individual circumstances.