The reality for migrant women fleeing domestic violence in Australia

A support worker at specialist family violence provider, InTouch. Credit: SBS

Gendered violence has been in the spotlight as governments pledge increased funding to tackle the issue. As more money is pumped into the sector to help women and children escaping domestic violence, those from migrant and culturally diverse communities continue to face language, legal and problems accessing support services.

Settlement agency AMES Australia has surveyed 30 community leaders in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, about the barriers faced by women. 50 percent of the respondents said their communities had inadequate access to services and support.
53 percent were not sure about where to get help, and 55 percent said there were no adequate places to access refuge.
The federal government says it's spending a significant amount of funding on programs to assist migrant women and children; and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities including the $100 million Safe Places Inclusion Round.