Madam, – Kitty Holland (“The hidden world of domestic abuse”, Life Culture, March 7th) reports, “It is estimated that just 10 per cent of those suffering [domestic abuse] will access services”. The percentage is so low for reasons including fear and emotional and financial dependency. We wish to highlight the added vulnerability that is experienced by migrant women whose immigration status is tied to that of their spouse (for example the wives of work-permit holders), and who may not be aware that independence is achievable for them, as it is for any other woman.
It has been our experience that the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) takes a very reasonable approach to individual cases; for example, where a District Court Judge has issued a protection or barring order, the INIS will render it effective by granting an independent immigration status to the vulnerable spouse. Nasc has made many successful applications for such women; if they explain and document their circumstances well, we have found that they will be freed from the bonds of their dependent immigration status.
It is unfortunate that this reasonable and humane policy has not been secured in legislation. Neither has the INIS published any information about its policy.
Because neither the victims nor the organisations or solicitors that advocate for them will find the policy published anywhere, many remain afraid to seek assistance. As long as this remains the case, abusive spouses will continue to add the (empty) threat of deportation to their repertoire of intimidation. – Yours, etc,