Family Violence and Immigration -

A FAQ sheet on Family Violence has been distributed by the OMARA to all Registered Migration Agents explaining the role played by the Department of Home Affairs in supporting migrant victims of family and domestic violence.

The Australian Government has zero-tolerance for family and domestic violence against anyone in the Australian community, including permanent and temporary visa holders.

Data from the Australian Institute of Criminology suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with the onset or escalation of violence and abuse for many women.

The Australian Government has invested $1 billion since 2013 to address family and domestic violence, including $130 million provided directly to State and Territory governments to support frontline services to meet demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support the Government’s efforts to assist victims of family and domestic violence, the Department has prepared an FAQ document that includes information on arrangements the Department has in place to support visa holders and applicants affected by family and domestic violence. This information should not be read as specific immigration advice, as each person’s circumstances will be different, but rather as a guide to existing policies and services.

The Department’s Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Network connects with multicultural communities and government partners to share information and report concerns or issues raised by the communities.

On 6 October 2020 as a part of budget measures, the Government announced an additional $6.4 million to employ an additional ten CLO officers to the existing 29 officers to boost engagement with multicultural communities.

Source: Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority email correspondence dated 5 January 2020.

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