UK police report domestic abuse victims to immigration, shows data

The threat of being reported to the Home Office is often used by the perpetrators of domestic abuse to control victims, says the domestic violence commissioner. Photograph: Islandstock/Alamy

Domestic abuse victims are being reported to immigration officials when they turn to the police for help, according to data published by an independent watchdog.

The 43 police forces in England and Wales and the British Transport Police have all referred victims or survivors of abuse to immigration enforcement in the last three years, prompting urgent calls for reform of the system.