Terrible Dilemma faced by migrant women who are victims of domestic violence

A new report has found migrant women on temporary visas who experience family violence are often left to suffer in silence because of fears they will be deported if they seek help. Monash University researchers have called for reforms to the migration system to protect them better.

A nova lei proposta por NSW tem o potencial de mudar a vida de centenas de pessoas, já que a violência doméstica é um dos maiores problemas sociais australianos Source: Getty images

They're some of the most vulnerable members of the community: Women, newly-arrived in Australia, who find themselves the victims of family violence.

Where do they turn for help and what are the consequences?

A new report has found they face a terrible dilemma.

 Monash University Associate Professor Marie Segrave - one of the authors of the report -  says these women are often relying on their partners to stay in the country... and these visa sponsors may well be the very perpetrators of the abuse.