Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
Forced underage marriage, trafficking, female genital mutilation and domestic violence – this doesn't sound like the "lucky" country. However, the harsh reality is that there are serious concerns in these areas and some have referred to domestic violence as a national epidemic in Australia.

Rita (not her real name) came to see me after being beaten by her husband.

I see a lot of people who migrate to Australia who have little or no knowledge of what constitutes domestic violence, how and where to get help.

Her emotional and mental scars weighed heavily on her. The deep pain I saw in her eyes brought tears to my eyes.

She desperately wanted to leave her marriage but was frightened of the stigma she might face if she did. She had an arranged marriage overseas and came to Australia with hopes and dreams of a happy life with her new husband and family. As she was sponsored to come to Australia by her husband, she feared being sent back to her homeland.

If she was forced to return to her homeland, she would be ostracised and criticised for having the courage to leave a marriage.

She also recounted how much her husband put her down and controlled her movements. The concepts of "emotional or verbal" abuse were foreign to her. I also met her sibling who told me about the time, effort and money they had put into her wedding ceremonies. He was also very worried about her future as a divorced woman, and whether she would be able to "save face". In fact, belonging to a particular social group of "divorced women fearful of returning to their homeland" has been a ground for some applicants obtaining refugee status and protection visas.

I see a lot of people who migrate to Australia who have little or no knowledge of what constitutes domestic violence, how and where to get help. It is a common misconception that domestic or family violence only involves physical violence. In reality, domestic violence can include physical, verbal, emotional, economic, sexual or spiritual abuse. Problems faced by some new migrants are exacerbated as they may have a limited grasp of English, low levels of literacy, limited familiarity with Australian values and laws, and a lack of awareness of their rights, and no access to information, family support and networks.

Some community leaders and families may be out of touch with how to help and can compound the problem by encouraging women to stay in abusive marriages to save their family from shame. This highlights the importance of helping people at a grassroots level. Old-fashioned beliefs and stereotypes may need to be challenged.

The effect of domestic violence is severe on the victim and society. In a study by KPMG, the cost of domestic violence against women last year was estimated to be about $14.7 billion.

Violence against a man or a woman must be condemned. It is shocking and unacceptable that one woman a week dies at the hands of her partner or former partner. The importance of implementing preventative policies that ensure that such horrendous figures are never repeated is highlighted by such startling figures.

The government places emphasis on budget deficits but it cannot afford to be complacent or ignore the deficit in relation to domestic violence, which Charles Pickering has labelled as a "financial, physical, moral and emotional deficit".

It is crucial that organisations which help women such as legal centres and homeless shelters are given adequate funding. Yet, reports indicate that the National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services, which specifically works with Indigenous families across 14 organisations, will be forced to close unless new funding is found.

Communication at a grassroots level in schools, homes and informal forums is imperative. The family safety branch of the Department of Social Services initiated "kitchen table" conversations with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. "Friendship cafes" have also developed to provide an informal atmosphere for women to share stories. Consideration should be given to incorporating concepts such as respect, healthy relationships, conflict resolution and resilience into school curriculums.

White Ribbon ambassadors, and good male role models like Charlie Pickering and Andrew O'Keefe should be highlighted in the media more. It's refreshing that Rosie Batty was named as Australian of the Year. More stories of women who have escaped violent relationships and sought help should be given prominence. This could provide vital information and inspiration to women who may be experiencing violence.

Ultimately, an all-inclusive, preventative, educational and tailored approach to prevent violence against women is required which, in addition to law enforcement agencies, also incorporates all levels of government, community representatives, legal and health professionals as well as social workers and service providers.

Perhaps that would allow women like Rita to call Australia home.