PROJECT SUMMARY

This program provides vulnerable and financially disadvantaged women seeking asylum in Australia, who have suffered or at risk of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, with access to specialised legal services concerning visa and related issues.

Refugee women who are victims of violence face additional complications and barriers in finding safety and accessing services, leaving many vulnerable in already perilous situations.

– Visa concerns are one of the main barriers to women and their children accessing legal support. They fear reporting violence could lead to separation from their children and effect their visa applications or ability to remain in Australia. Often perpetrators threaten that if women seek help, they’ll be deported, punished, and disbelieved.
– Many are reluctant to seek help due to fear of police or government bodies from experiences in their home countries.
– They confront cultural challenges fearing retaliation from community members, being ostracised for leaving the perpetrator, losing their support networks and social isolation.
– Many face language barriers and some lack literacy in any language.
– Many have never held autonomy over their own affairs.
– Those on bridging visas aren’t eligible for Federal Government financial support and often have no income. They aren’t covered under the family violence provision meaning they have few rights and frequently must choose between homelessness with no income or remaining with a violent partner.

This program supports women of all ages, some as young as 19 with a number being over 50. A female lawyer is always provided, and interpreting services always engaged as required to allow for accurate and respectful service delivery.