'I found out he already had a partner': Shocking extent of migrant domestic abuse revealed

Description

The extent of domestic abuse suffered by migrant women on temporary visas has been detailed in a new report.

The often-hidden plight of newly arrived migrant women who have experienced domestic abuse has been highlighted by the Monash University report, which focuses on 300 cases.

The report's author Professor Marie Segrave said the abuse was systematic and abusive husbands often took advantage of their partner's visa uncertainty.

"We see that perpetrators often use migration status as leverage to threaten women. They say they will be deported, it isn't true but women do believe that is the case because they are not clear about their rights," Professor Segrave said.