TRISH DOYLE MP

Member for Blue Mountains

Shadow Minister for Women

and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES

The particular challenges faced by victims of domestic violence from multicultural communities was the focus of a special round table forum held at Parliament House today. 

Trish Doyle, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence called the round-table which gathered representatives from more than 20 front line services to discuss how government can better support migrant women and children facing domestic violence. 

"This is an area that needs careful attention for its particular challenges, " Ms Doyle said. 

"On top of dealing with the trauma of domestic abuse, there are also sensitive cultural issues and stigmas which may prevent some women from coming forward to seek help. 

"It's important that police and first responders are trained to be aware of cultural issues in specific communities and that appropriate case management is available.” 

Ms Doyle said the round-table will formulate recommendations and actions that she will take to the government. 

"Our job is to listen to those working at the coal face who know what their communities need.”

Labor leader, Jodi Mckay, also attended the roundtable to meet the participants and acknowledge their important work supporting domestic violence victims from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“Domestic and family family systems need to change to include all women, regardless of culture and race,” she said.

The key issues discussed at the roundtable include increased support for women on temporary visas, culturally appropriate case management services, reporting abusive relationships and barriers in providing information to migrant and refugee women.

A report will be formulated and presented to the government summarising the recommendations and action points arising from the roundtable. 

DATE: FRIDAY 28 MAY 2021