Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee: Migration Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2016

Presented in this submission, the authors argue that this amendment sends a message that CALD women are expected to leave and/or end their relationship if they are aware of their partner/potential sponsor’s previous history of violence, specifically violence in the familial setting. This runs counter to the recognition that women should be supported and empowered to know what their options are, and to provide multiple supports to enable women to make the best decision for themselves and their children without judgment. We note there is already in place a process to identify sponsors who have a history of violence and/or abuse towards children, and that this is an important existing protection mechanism for migrant children.