Rita's story: from visa uncertainty to safety and stability

For Rita, safety and stability were uncertain for a long time.

After experiencing family violence, Rita was left navigating not only the impacts of abuse, but also uncertainty about her migration status. Without a secure visa, everyday life was difficult. Planning ahead, accessing healthcare, and maintaining work all came with stress and risk.

Rita reached out to Women’s Legal Service Victoria for help.

Our migration lawyers worked with Rita to understand her situation and explain her options clearly and compassionately. Together, they pursued a legal pathway that recognised Rita’s experience of family violence and her right to live safely in Australia.

Visa insecurity can be deeply destabilising. For women experiencing family violence, it is often used as a way to maintain control — limiting access to work, income, services, and the ability to rebuild independence. Specialist migration legal support can be critical to breaking that cycle.

With support from Women’s Legal, Rita’s migration matter progressed safely. She was granted a permanent visa.

The outcome has been life‑changing.

Rita can return to earning a living, access healthcare when she needs it, and spend time doing the things she loves — like gardening and being creative. Rita and her daughter can now rebuild their lives in safety.

Rita’s story reflects the experiences of many women whose safety and futures are tied to their migration status. Access to free, specialist migration legal support helps ensure women are not forced to choose between staying safe and building a life with certainty.

*Name and identifying details have been changed