Empowering migrants with information about family and sexual violence

Joint with:

The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP

Minister for Social Services

Member for Kingston

The Hon Tony Burke MP

Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Member for Watson

The Albanese Labor Government is underscoring the importance of reliable, safe, and consistent information for migrants with the launch of new web-based family, domestic, and sexual violence information, available in 20 languages on the MyAus app.

The new information will provide people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities with access to animated, spoken, and written information about family, domestic, and sexual violence in Australia and the services and supports that are available to them.

The National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 acknowledges the importance of tailored supports for culturally and linguistically diverse communities impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence.

The updates will ensure that the information around family, domestic, and sexual violence is appropriately framed for the diversity of the lived experiences of migrant and refugee communities.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said that providing this information through the MyAus App will allow for an expanded reach to diverse communities through an existing channel.

“Violence against women and children is a national shame and it must end. It is crucial supports, services and information about family, domestic and sexual violence is available to all communities, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” Minister Rishworth said.

“We are a digitally driven society, and it is important that the Government utilises existing channels within diverse communities to provide vital information about the services and supports that are available to them,” Minister Rishworth said.

“I am proud that we are continuing to improve the accessibility of important information through the MyAus App to educate, inform, and assist those experiencing family, domestic, and sexual violence and that this information will be available in 20 languages.”

The Department of Social Services and the Department of Home Affairs partnered to deliver this initiative.

Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Tony Burke said “in Australia, no matter your cultural background, you should be able to live safely, and free of violence”.

“And freedom from violence should be everywhere, especially at home,” Minister Burke said.

“This announcement is the next step in keeping women and children safe.”

Carla Wilshire OAM, CEO of the Social Policy Group said “making safety information available in-language through the MyAus app is a crucial step towards a more equitable society”.

“The MyAus app’s provision of safety is essential for ensuring that migrant women can access the help and resources they need at any time and in a safe way,” Ms Wilshire said.

“This would not have been possible without the Government’s investment in this critical initiative. We commend Minister Rishworth for her leadership and commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities for all women”.

The new information can be accessed through the MyAus app.

/Public Release. View in full here.