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Australia

New immigration changes risk further trauma for domestic violence survivors, criminologist warns

Expert says government overhaul lacks safety net for temporary migrant women experiencing family violence

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources3 outlets
Immigration Minister Tony Burke has announced changes to Australia's migration system after a six-week delay, but a leading criminologist argues the reforms do not account for the heightened risk of domestic and family violence faced by women on temporary visas, leaving many victim-survivors without adequate support or a pathway to safety.

In a National Press Club address on September 17, Minister Tony Burke detailed a series of changes to the migration system. While the announcement has prompted widespread analysis, Professor Marie Segrave of the University of Melbourne warns that the reforms overlook the reality of domestic and family violence (DFV) among temporary migrant women.

Segrave, an ARC Future Fellow and criminologist, notes that the largest national study of migrant and refugee women found one in three experienced DFV, with temporary migrants more likely to face violence specifically tied to their visa status. Perpetrators often weaponise the migration system, controlling victims through visa promises or threats of deportation.

Currently, safety provisions exist only for women on partner visas with a pathway to permanency—the family violence provisions. However, many victim-survivors do not hold partner visas. They may be on student visas, visitor visas, or have applied for asylum. In some cases, perpetrators deliberately misrepresent a woman's visa status, leading her to believe she has a partner visa when in fact she holds a visitor visa.

Segrave argues that these gaps mean many migrant women experiencing violence are denied DFV-related support and have limited claims to remain in Australia. She highlights that the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and their Children has shown limited commitment to addressing these issues.

The article did not include any comment from Minister Burke or the Department of Home Affairs specifically addressing the DFV concerns raised.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The changes could affect thousands of temporary migrant women already at elevated risk of domestic violence, potentially trapping them in abusive situations for fear of visa consequences.
  • Without a safety net, perpetrators can continue to use visa status as a tool of control, undermining broader efforts to end violence against women.
  • If the government fails to integrate DFV protections, victim-survivors may face deportation or further trauma, creating long-term social and legal costs.

Background

Australia's migration system has long been criticised for failing to protect temporary visa holders—including students, asylum seekers, and those on visitor visas—who experience domestic violence. Research over the past decade has documented how perpetrators exploit visa dependency. The family violence provisions only apply to partner visa applicants with a pathway to permanent residency, leaving other temporary migrants without equivalent protections. The National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children (2022–2032) has not prioritised visa-related reforms.

Key Perspectives

Victim-survivors and advocates: Need immediate visa protections and access to independent support services, regardless of visa category. The current gap forces many to stay with abusers or face removal. Government (Minister Tony Burke): Focus on enforcement and border integrity; the announced changes did not include specific DFV measures, suggesting these are not a priority in this reform package. Researchers (Prof. Marie Segrave): Urge that any migration system overhaul must embed DFV safety nets, including for women on non-partner visas, to prevent further harm and uphold Australia's international obligations.

What to Watch

  • Whether the government releases further details or amendments addressing family violence, particularly for temporary visa holders.
  • Responses from DFV advocacy groups and the National Plan review process.
  • Any new data or reports on the prevalence of visa-related violence among temporary migrant communities.

Sources

Zotpaper

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