Ms Laura Pohjolainen:

By providing an exception in the habitual residence condition. Often, people who have experienced domestic or sexual violence are not taken seriously. Given the assumption that people will take advantage of an exemption to the HRC, clear guidelines should be set on how to identify victims of domestic and sexual violence. For example, people in Traveller and Roma communities have a significant difficulty in seeking help, accessing services and identifying themselves as victims. Clear guidelines on how to identify victims should be provided to people who work in the system. Many organisations and projects that work with women who are also affected by the HRC. An interagency approach would be key.