Press Release
Tuesday November 11, 2008The needs of migrant women experiencing domestic violence can no longer be ignored: AkiDwA, ICI, Women's Aid
Failure to recognise the needs of migrant women whose permission to reside in Ireland is dependent on violent partners is putting their safety and lives at risk, AkiDwA, the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) and Women’s Aid said today.
The three organisations are today holding a roundtable discussion on the needs of migrant women experiencing domestic violence.
“Currently, a migrant woman who is on a dependent spouse visa faces the situation that, when her relationship ends, so too does her permission to remain in the country,” Women’s Aid director Margaret Martin said.
“Migrant women experiencing domestic violence may face the choice of staying in a violent relationship or risk having to leave the country. For many of these women, returning to their country of origin is not a realistic option for economic, social, cultural or safety reasons.”
AkiDwA director Salome Mbugua said migrant women wanting to leave abusive relationships faced a ranged of specific challenges which need to be addressed.
“Migrant women in this situation often encounter a lack of cultural sensitivity, a lack of adequate support services and a lack of awareness,” Ms Mbugua said.
“Accommodation in refuges is limited, they might not be able to access legal services and they could fear bringing shame on their families in their home country by reporting domestic violence or seeking help.
“Female asylum seekers can be the most vulnerable group facing domestic violence because they may face additional unique pressures, including a lack of options in terms of where they can live, access to some services and remedies, and in addition, financial constraints.”
ICI chief executive Denise Charlton said the Government should amend the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, currently being debated in the Dáil, to give autonomous residence permits to spouses and partners of Irish citizens and residents after a specified period of no more than three years. In cases of domestic violence, there should be preferential access to these permits.
“A number of organisations have made submissions to the Government on the need to recognise and address the lack of provision for migrant women experiencing domestic violence. Unfortunately, those submissions have been ignored so far,” Ms Charlton said.
“It is crucial that Ireland follows the lead of other countries, such as the UK and Australia, and makes provision within immigration law and policy to provide a residency status for these women that is not dependent on an abusive partner.”
For further information, contact Salome Mbugua at AkiDwa
on: 087 415 0906.
Ruth Evans at the ICI on: 087 067 3676 or
Christina Sherlock at Women’s Aid on: 01 868 4721