Afraid to Ask for Help: Domestic Violence and the Struggles of People on Dependent Visas in Australia

It is never easy to speak up about abuse—especially when your right to stay in a country depends on your abusive partner or family member.

For many people on dependent visas in Australia, the fear of losing their visa status, being forced to leave the country, or facing community shame can make it extremely difficult to seek help when experiencing domestic or family violence. Sadly, abusers may take advantage of this vulnerability to maintain control—threatening to cancel sponsorships, isolate partners from support systems, or limit access to money and legal advice.

At Ashore Wellness, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and empowered—regardless of their visa status, cultural background, gender, or sexual orientation.

Understanding the Challenges

If you are in Australia on a partner or dependent visa and are experiencing domestic violence, you might be feeling:

• Afraid to report the abuse in case your visa is cancelled
• Unsure if you are “allowed” to access support services
• Isolated from family and friends, especially if you recently migrated
• Pressured to stay in the relationship for fear of being sent home
• Confused by legal and immigration systems
• Concerned about confidentiality within your cultural or religious community

These feelings are valid—and they are more common than many realise.

The Complexity of Intersectionality

For individuals who come from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and especially those who are also part of the LGBTIQ+ community, the challenges are even greater.

You may face:

• Additional stigma from within your own cultural or religious communities for speaking out
• Fear of being outed when accessing mainstream support services
• Language barriers, making it harder to seek legal or psychological help
• Racism or discrimination when engaging with institutions
• A deep worry that mainstream services won’t understand your cultural values, family roles, or identity struggles

For LGBTQ+ individuals, your relationship may not even be recognised or respected in your cultural context, leaving you with little or no support from your family or community.

At Ashore Wellness, we recognise how these multiple layers of identity—such as race, culture, gender, sexuality, migration status, and language—intersect to shape people’s lived experiences of abuse and trauma. We are here to support you in a way that acknowledges all parts of who you are.

You Have Rights. You Can Ask for Help.

Australian immigration law includes special provisions to protect people on partner or dependent visas who are affected by family or domestic violence. You may still be able to remain in Australia even if the relationship ends due to abuse.

You are not alone. There are services that are confidential, free, and available to support you.

Support Services for Those Experiencing Domestic Violence

Emergency & Safety

• Police / Emergency Services: Call 000 (ask for interpreter if needed)
• Safe Steps (Victoria-wide 24/7 family violence response): 1800 015 188, www.safesteps.org.au

Legal & Immigration Support

• My Blue Sky:
  Provides visa and legal info for people experiencing forced marriage or partner visa abuse.  www.mybluesky.org.au
• Victorian Legal Aid: 1300 792 387
  Free legal advice for people experiencing family violence, www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

CALD-focused Services

• InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence: 1800 755 988
  Support in many languages by multicultural case workers www.intouch.org.au
• Immigrant Women’s Support Service (IWSS): (07) 3846 3490
  Offers national support and advice for migrant and refugee women www.iwss.org.au

LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Support

• Switchboard Victoria: 1800 729 367
  Peer support services for LGBTQ+ people, including multicultural and family violence support
  www.switchboard.org.au
• Rainbow Door (by Switchboard): 1800 729 367
  Multilingual LGBTQ+ family violence and mental health helpline www.rainbowdoor.org.au

How Ashore Wellness Supports You

At Ashore Wellness, we are passionate about supporting people from multicultural and LGBTQ+ communities who are navigating the difficult intersection of abuse, migration, and identity. We provide a culturally safe, trauma-informed space where your story will be heard and respected.

We offer:

✅ Bilingual counselling in English and Mandarin Chinese
✅ Inclusive support for LGBTQ+ clients, with cultural sensitivity
✅ In-person or telehealth sessions tailored to your comfort
✅ Walk & Talk therapy in natural parklands for those who find sitting indoors confronting
✅ Professional psychosocial reports to support visa, family violence, or protection claims
✅ Collaboration with your lawyer or migration agent if needed, to strengthen your case

Our Report Writing Service

If you are preparing to apply under the Family Violence Provisions or seeking a protection visa, our clinicians can prepare professional reports and support letters. These may include:

• Clinical observations and a trauma-informed assessment
• Descriptions of how the abuse has impacted your mental health and wellbeing
• Documentation of your support journey
• Support for immigration or legal proceedings in a clear, respectful format

We understand how hard it can be to ask for help, especially when you’re not sure who will understand your situation. That’s why we’re here—to be an ally on your journey.

You Are Not Alone

If you are reading this and feeling afraid, stuck, or unsure—please know that you are not alone.

Every year, many people on dependent visas in Australia face domestic and family violence. You are not the only one navigating fear, shame, or uncertainty about your future. The truth is: abuse is never your fault, and you should never have to choose between your safety and your visa.

At Ashore Wellness, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when you are trying to protect yourself but are worried about losing your visa, being judged by your community, or not being believed. Especially if you are from a cultural background where family issues are often kept private, or if you identify as LGBTQ+ and face additional stigma, it can feel like there is nowhere safe to turn.

Whether you want to speak up for the first time, talk to someone who understands your cultural background, or get a letter to support your visa case—we are here for you.

At Ashore Wellness, we offer a safe and confidential space where your story is respected and your voice matters. We walk beside people who carry complex identities and heavy stories—and we know how brave it is to reach out.

If you’re ready to take the next step, you do not need to do it alone.
We are here to walk with you—at your pace.