Arabic version: ارتفاع حالات العنف المنزلي بين النساء المهاجرات يثير القلق

Safety advocates report that as many as one in three women on temporary visas in Australia are experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV). Vanessa Burn, head of Migration Law at the Women’s Legal Centre ACT, highlighted the alarming trend of transnational technology-facilitated abuse, where perpetrators monitor victims via video surveillance from overseas.

According to ABC News, Burn stated that many victims feel trapped, with some living under constant surveillance. She noted that the technology used by abusers often serves to manipulate and intimidate victims, making it difficult for them to seek help or escape abusive situations.

Nazia Ahmed, an economist and women’s safety advocate, emphasized that cultural and religious factors are often misattributed as the root causes of abuse. Instead, she believes these elements can be part of the solution if approached correctly. Ahmed noted that many migrant women fear seeking help from mainstream services due to potential stigma and judgment related to their cultural backgrounds.

Shamaruh Mirza, who leads a women’s empowerment organization, observed that DFV in migrant communities often goes unreported and is typically addressed within families rather than through formal support channels. She recently organized a symposium in the ACT focused on raising awareness about DFV in these communities, acknowledging the challenges victims face in seeking assistance. Mirza reassured that support services can provide confidential advice, enabling victims to explore their situations safely without immediate pressure to leave their partners.