Advocates say migrant women who are victims of family violence are finding themselves in situations where they have to return to live with an abuser because of cumbersome visa rules.
They want the Government to act on recommendations it received from a select committee in 2022 to make the victims of family violence visa accessible to more migrants who need it. The biggest obstacle has been the requirement on victims - largely women - to prove they can't return to their home country due to the impacts of stigma or lack of financial support.
The family violence visa gives them six months to work here, but just 43 people a year received it in the last five years. Community Law advocates say victims are often going back to dangerous homes because they are not getting visas and other support systems they need to leave.
Dhilum Nightingale is a barrister with Kate Sheppard Chambers who works with Community Law providing immigration legal advice to victims of family violence in ethnic communities.
Sarah Croskery-Hewitt is a leading researcher on this issue and is a former community lawyer with Community Law.
Photo: Borrin Foundation/Community Law
Do you need help?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
Other places to seek help:
Women's Refuge
For women and children. 0800 733 843
Shine
Free call 0508 744 633 domestic abuse helpline for women and men, daily 9am-11pm.
Shakti
24-hour Crisis Line 0800 742 284: 0800SHAKTI
Oranga Tamariki
0508 326 459
It's Not OK
0800 456 450
Youthline
0800 376 633 or text free 234
Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura - Outing Violence
Information about how partner and sexual violence affects Rainbow communities
Outline Aotearoa
0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) for Rainbow support. 6-9pm every day
Free counselling service NEED TO TALK?
Free call or text 1737 any time
