AN MP calling for a new law to protect migrant women from domestic violence thanked The Sun for its support yesterday.

Shadow safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said the current domestic abuse bill discriminates against women and children from other countries.

It means they cannot access emergency shelter or legal advice and are often forced to move back in with a violent partner.

Ms Phillips told MPs: “This is not just a hobby-horse of mine. It is not some liberal-elite, Guardian-led campaign. This week, The Sun newspaper backed the campaign to protect migrant women in this bill, and I thank them for their support.”

She said migrant victims – for example those on student visas or work permits – have no access to potentially life-saving refuge and support.

Some have been left sleeping on the streets with young children after leaving a dangerous relationship. Others have been told their only option is to flee the country alone.

Ms Phillips said: “The system makes it very hard to lock up bad guys. Without victims actively helping, there is very little the police can do.

"But how are victims supposed to help if they don’t have anywhere to sleep? In 2020 we shouldn’t be turning away victims of horrific crime from refuges because of what it says in their passport.

“It is not OK that some people matter and some don’t. We are making this law today and we are not making it for everyone.

“The bill currently discriminates. How can we have a groundbreaking bill in the era of Black Lives Matter that ignores victims based on where they were born?”

She said helping migrant women affected by domestic violence would not be expensive but “the impact on their lives would be immeasurable”.

Where can you get help?

Woman’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

• Always keep your phone nearby.
• Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
• If you are in danger, call 999.
• Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
• Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
• If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
• Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

If you are a ­victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support ­service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].

Women’s Aid provides a live chat service available. from 10am to noon.

You can also call the freephone 24-hour ­National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

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