Migrant Families and Separation
If you have migrated to Australia and are experiencing a separation from your partner you might have various additional concerns such as:
Isolation from family and friends
You might be worried or scared about being alone as you might not have family and/or friends around you. Your family might not live in the same country as you and you might not have a supportive social network. Maybe you fear that a separation will lead to loss of friends and/or family especially if these people do not approve of your separation. This is not an unusual situation. There are services and organisations that you can access that have experience in assisting people in situations like this.
Fear of police and other officials
Based on previous experiences in your country you might be scared of police and other government officials in Australia. The police and other government agencies in Australia should be trustworthy and will provide you with protection from harm. Though it may seem threatening, it might be of great benefit to yourself and your children to approach such agencies. However, if you feel nervous about this, remember that you can seek assistance from other services who will assist you. For example, it might be useful for you to contact the 'Migration Resource Centre' closest to where you live.
There might be quite a few differences between the laws and traditions in your country of birth and Australia
You might not know much about the laws in Australia. Consequently, the other parent of your children might try to scare you by telling you untruths. It will be of great benefit for you to familiarise yourself with the laws in Australia. There are various services that can offer you some assistance for free and introduce you to information about the 'Family Law Act'. You can contact 'Women's Information Service', 'Migration Resource Centre', or legal services in your state or territory. Follow these links to find out more about 'Family Law and Separation' or the support page listed at the bottom of hte page.
You might not speak English fluently
If you don't speak English you might feel even more trapped. The 'Department if Immigration and Indigenous Affairs' has a translation service that you can contact. If you need help with translation for any court events, please ask court staff to help you organise this (these services are free of charge).
Your religious or cultural beliefs may make it difficult for you to tell people about family violence and it might be dishonourable for you to leave your partner.
Family violence is a crime in Australia. The laws in Australia are there to protect everyone (including children) from being exposed to family violence, as well as to ensure that you can separate from your partner when violence is happening. Though it might be unacceptable to leave your partner, according to your cultural traditions, please note that it is recognised in Australia that you have the right to leave as violence within relationships is a crime. Each state and territory has family violence services that will offer assistance to you.
Your visa status
If you have a temporary visa, you might fear deportation if you separate from your spouse. There are laws in Australia to protect you from violence and harm. If you experience a situation like this it is very important that you seek further assistance. You can contact a Migration Resource Centre, Women's Information Centre and/or family violence service for help.
You might not be familiar with services
One big challenge you might face as a migrant to Australia is lack of familiarity with services that can provide you with necessary support.
The idea of separation may be very difficult for you and your children for the reasons outlined above. However, remember that you are not alone and that there are various organisations that will assist you with difficulties and challenges you might experience. Click here to find a list of services that can provide you with various forms of assistance.
