Migration and domestic violence: Women's experiences of proving domestic violence as a requirement for permanent residency in Australia

Presenter: Ana Borges, PhD Candidate, TC Beirne School of Law

Abstract: This research investigates the experiences of migrant women sponsored by their partners to reside in Australia. These women have also survived domestic violence at their partner’s hands and engaged with the Immigration Department, through the Family Violence Provisions in partner visa applications under Immigration law. Through 20 semi-structured interviews, this project aims to analyse how these women’s needs and challenges as women and as migrants intersect through this immigration process, and how the legal process impacts them. The main research questions regard women’s challenges in demonstrating domestic violence and the psychological impact of this process. The research also asks whether legal reform in Australia may be appropriate. The research explores how other countries' legal systems address similar situations and considers how these legal alternatives may contribute to law reform in Australia.

Contact: Claire Ritchie, c.ritchie@law.uq.edu.au 

More Information: All welcome, no RSVP required