Better the devil you know than the system you don’t understand
Creating better outcomes for newly arrived young people experiencing family violence
The needs of newly-arrived young people have often been overlooked in government investment in strategies to reduce family violence. These young people face barriers to accessing support and knowledge due to the family violence system being oriented primarily towards women and dependent children. Moreover, service systems often lack cultural responsiveness and safety for those from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
This paper discusses insights gained from consultations with multicultural young women and service providers working with newly arrived young people and families, highlighting how family violence is understood, what types of violence are prevalent, and the challenges faced when seeking help.
The paper also discusses the heightened risk of family violence faced by newly arrived young people during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need for more information, understanding, and culturally sensitive support.