Monica
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘No-one wanted to help me because of the restrictions the government have when it comes to migrants with disabilities.’
Monica is a migrant from a culturally and linguistically diverse background. She has neurological disorders and uses a wheelchair. She told the Royal Commission she had been sexually, psychologically and financially abused by her family, from childhood until she left her home country.
Monica migrated after marrying a New Zealander who was living in Australia. But after a time her husband became emotionally, verbally and financially abusive. He sometimes deprived her of basic necessities such as personal care, food and water, and would intentionally place items out of her reach.
This went on until her husband abandoned her while she was in hospital, a few years after her move to Australia.
Monica said the abuse had started because she couldn’t find employment due to her disabilities. She said there was added pressure on the couple because her immigration status meant she couldn’t get essential care. She told us she believes that the failure of the Australian Government to provide necessary supports contributed to the start of domestic violence in her marriage.
‘Due to my immigration status at the time … I feel I missed out on essential domestic violence [supports]’, she said. ‘My former husband also knew he could get away with his abuse on me due to the non-existing protecting on migrants with disabilities.’
She also told us there is ‘no knowledge of “safe houses” for migrants with disabilities’.
‘Due to the traumas … I will always have concerns regarding my safety, security as well as the support and safe houses for other individuals with disability who will be in similar positions in future.’
She had raised her concerns with various disability organisations and Australian Government departments. ‘No-one had an answer for me,’ she said.
Monica would like to see legislative change to protect migrants with disabilities, and funding to help them and their partners adjust to their new circumstances. She said the government should also provide couples with more information about what help is available to them and where to get it.
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.