Domestic Violence (DV) in Migrant Communities
Reiko Reynolds · 04 May 2023
In Australia, domestic violence is a serious issue that affects both women and men, with one woman every 9 days and one man every month losing their lives to domestic violence. This issue is particularly prevalent among migrant communities, with victims of domestic violence being more common among migrants and those on temporary partner visas. This may be due to a range of factors, including concerns about their visa status, language barriers, lack of knowledge about government support, limited family networks, lack of alternative accommodation, or financial constraints that prevent them from leaving their abusive partners. Domestic violence includes not only physical violence but also psychological and financial abuse.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, it's important to know that there are national and state helplines (service providers) that you can contact to seek assistance. These helplines can connect you with support services that can provide information, assistance, and referrals to local services that can help with safety planning, emergency accommodation, legal assistance, and counseling. Contact details can be viewed via below link.
Support Services: respect.gov.au
If you cannot speak English, you can request an interpreter to help you communicate with service providers. Some service providers can help you find short-term or medium-term accommodation to escape the violence, including accommodation where you can stay with your children. Qualified professionals such as social workers and counselors can advise you on available services that can meet your specific needs, and they will not force you to take any action against your will.
By gathering information about available services, you can be empowered to act when you need to. Remember, domestic violence can happen to anyone, and seeking help is an important step towards ensuring your safety and well-being.
Key Contacts
Reiko Reynolds
Special Counsel
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