FAMILY VIOLENCE

Here at Australian Migration & Settlement Services, we understand that while most couples and families go on to have happy and healthy lives in Australia, if you are being subjected to any form of violence, we want you to know, we, and Australia, are here to help. If you hold a temporary partner visa or a prospective marriage visa, and you experience family violence, your relationship has ended, what will happen next? It is a requirement of your sponsored partner application that you are in a spousal relationship at the time of your application process, however, no one deserves to be mistreated or abused.

Do you know that in Australia, family violence is not acceptable?

A partner, family members or other people in the community cannot threaten you, or your visa status. The Australian government (Migration Law), has made a provision within the visa application, where your relationship has ended, and your sponsor is no longer sponsoring you. This provision allows you to continue with your permanent partner visa application, and remain in Australia while the application is assessed.

What is Family Violence?

It is any conduct that makes you reasonably fear for your safety or wellbeing. This could be an actual threat to your person or that of your family members, or to your mental health & wealth being, from the alleged perpetrator and/or their family members.

Family violence can include:

• Physical abuse or harm
• Psychological abuse or harm
• Verbal abuse
• Stalking
• Forced sexual relations
• Intentionally damaging or destroying property
• Unreasonably denying the family member the financial autonomy that he or she would have had

The victim can be male or female.

How to prove you experience Family Violence?

While you have experienced family violence, proving it is very important. You can prove family violence by providing:

1. Judicial evidence
2. Non-Judicial Evidence

You can also speak to your family doctor. They can assist you in preparing a report and evidence as well as assisting you in obtaining help.

Also please got HERE for additional information and assistance.

If you are a victim of family violence and you are worried about your visa, please call us on 03 9654 8611 or email  [email protected] – we have assisted many applications in the past, and we can also help you.

With AustMss you are never alone.