Domestic and family violence is unacceptable and is a crime in Australia.

Any behaviour that threatens you, your family, pets or property can be considered domestic and family violence including:

• physical violence
• sexual assault
• verbal or emotional abuse
• controlling behaviour
• stalking
• technology-facilitated abuse
• financial abuse
• abuse of the elderly
• forced isolation or economic deprivation, including dowry-related abuse.

The Australian Government can support victims, including permanent and temporary visa holders in Australia.

For example, if you experience domestic and family violence while applying for a partner visa – you do not need to remain in that abusive relationship in order to stay in Australia.

If your relationship with your sponsor has broken down, you may be able to be considered for the family violence provisions under migration legislation. You may be eligible for a permanent visa if the following apply to you:

You have applied for a:

• Temporary Partner visa (subclass 820)
• Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa as a dependent where the visa-holding parent has applied for the family violence provisions
• Distinguished Talent (subclass 858) visa as a dependent where the primary visa holder has been granted their permanent visa.

Or you hold a:

• Temporary Partner visa (subclass 820)
• Temporary Partner visa (subclass 309) and entered Australia on this visa
• Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) and have entered Australia and married your sponsor (you will need to apply for a Temporary Partner visa).

 

The family violence, or part of it, must have happened while your relationship existed with your sponsor (or alleged perpetrator).

The family violence you have experienced must have been perpetrated by your sponsor.

You can notify the Department of a relationship cessation and gather your documents to be considered for the family violence provisions.

If you have immediate concerns for your safety, the safety of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

To learn more about the step-by-step process on the family violence provisions, visit Family Violence Provisions (homeaffairs.gov.au)