Submission for the Inquiry into Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence
FECCA’s submission to the Inquiry into Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence highlights the unique vulnerabilities faced by CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) women in Australia. These include language barriers, limited access to social services, and financial instability, often exacerbated by temporary visa status. The submission calls for tailored support services, increased funding for crisis and community housing, and culturally competent training for service providers to better address the needs of CALD women. FECCA also advocates for amending eligibility criteria for financial and crisis support, ensuring that victims on temporary visas can access necessary protections without fear of deportation.
FECCA emphasises the need for comprehensive data collection to identify the prevalence and nature of family violence in CALD communities. It recommends co-designed, culturally sensitive strategies in the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children to address the specific challenges CALD women face. The submission underscores that family violence provisions and protections should apply equally to all women and children, regardless of visa status, to foster safety and equity across Australia’s diverse population.
