It's hard enough to leave an abusive relationship, but for those on spousal visas it can be almost impossible.
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Two years ago, Aneta and her daughter moved from Poland to Australia to start a new life with her husband.
She previously worked in digital design and management, and had been living between Australia and Poland for six years when she met her husband-to-be.
But shortly after she made the move, things began to fall apart.
Eventually she left - for her safety and her daughter's.
"The first questions where 'what should I do? Where should I go?' The system in my country is totally different," Aneta said.
"I can communicate in English, I'm tertiary-educated and I'm not afraid to ask for help - but many people do not have that ability."
Beth Roman is the multicultural domestic violence specialist for the Illawarra Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.
She says many women on spousal visas must chose between a violent home, or homelessness as they are unable to access Centrelink, housing, legal support or childcare benefits.
"The message from the government is 'your relationship didn't work out, too bad, go home'," she said.
"Depending on where they are from, these women may be murdered, or completely ostracised from their community because their relationship broke down.
"These are real human beings and it's not ok."
Aneta was determined to speak out about the challenges she faced to help other women in her situation.
Aneta said when she first began to plan her exit she went online, but found government information confusing and contradictory.
Web pages were difficult to find and to navigate.
It was her friendships, and the "beautiful angels" at the Illawarra Women's Health Centre, that saved her.
"I'd moved all over the world to a new country to start a new relationship and build a new life, I couldn't understand how this had happened," Aneta said.
"When I got on the government website to try and get information to make a plan about what I would do, it was mission impossible.
"I was so lucky to find people to help me."
Once women on spousal visas leave a relationship, they must prove to the Immigration Department that they experienced domestic violence.
They may not know they need to provide proof until they have left, sometimes with just the clothes on their backs.
The Red Cross recently announced a financial support program available to all people on temporary visas, or with uncertain visa status, experiencing family and domestic violence.
Ms Roman says while the program is welcome, it is a drop in the bucket.
She says the government must step in to help.
Access to Centrelink and child support are crucial.
"We have a duty of care to people who enter our country," she said.
"And with COVID-19, for many going home [overseas] is not an option at the moment."
Aneta agreed financial support would provide greater independence for those on spousal visas.
Multi-lingual messaging and more education would also help.
"If you call the government line it gives you the option: 'If you don't speak English, dial this number'," Aneta said.
"But if you don't speak English how are you going to know what that means?"
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