Precarious housing outcomes for women and children from refugee backgrounds with disability who have experienced domestic and family violence (DFV).

Background

Recent inquiries have shone a light on the disproportional experience of violence and abuse in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities (including from migrant and refugee backgrounds) and for people with disabilities. The Royal Commission into Family Violence (2016) concluded that ‘people from CALD communities are disproportionately affected by family violence and are more likely than people of Anglo-Australian background to face barriers to obtaining help’ (p. 99).

The interim report from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (31) exposed the higher rates of domestic and family violence (DFV) for women with disability. However, little is known about the intersection of disability for women and children experiencing DFV from refugee backgrounds and the barriers they face accessing safe and secure accommodation.

Aim

This project will examine this critical but under researched area, with the Steering Group comprising expertise at both academic and service delivery levels, providing a direct contribution to policy development and services in Victoria, with a view to extending out to a national study.

Methods

This project brings together two key industry partners: GenWest (formally Women’s Health West) and The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (known as Foundation House). It includes researchers with expertise in DFV, disability and refugee human rights.

Stage 1: Focus groups with Staff: A purposive sampling strategy will be used to recruit staff from GenWest and Foundation House programs.

Stage 2: Framework development forum: A forum of key stakeholders in Victoria will be convened to present the key findings and to co-develop a framework for policy and service responses.

This qualitative research project is underpinned by feminist research principles and is framed by an intersectional perspective.

Significance

This project will result in the identification of pathways and barriers to safe and secure housing. Analysis will be conducted to identify the main themes that relate to the intersection between refugee settlement, disability, DFV and housing insecurity and homelessness, as it relates to women and their children. Results will include consideration of a ‘community of practice’ as key service providers. Further co-produced research based on findings will be considered.

Funding Body

Dr Kim Robinson

Project start date

March 2023

Expected completion date

December 2023