Abused migrant women fear deportation

The risk of deportation is stopping many migrant women in Belgium who experience domestic violence from getting the protection they need, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The 57-page report, which was released in advance of Women’s Day in Belgium, on November 11, found three major protection gaps for migrant victims of domestic violence. Those who come to Belgium to join a husband or partner may face deportation if they report the violence while their status is being confirmed, as may undocumented migrant women. Victims of domestic violence, especially undocumented women, also lack adequate access to shelters. “The women we interviewed face a terrible choice: endure abuse at the hands of a partner, or report the violence and risk deportation,” said Liesl Gerntholtz, women’s rights director at Human Rights Watch. “Belgium needs to make sure that every woman who experiences domestic violence can get the help she needs, regardless of migrant status.” Belgium has passed laws and adopted policies to prevent, investigate and prosecute domestic violence and protect victims, but has yet to fully address the gaps for migrant women, Human Rights Watch found. Belgium recently signed, but has yet to ratify, the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, which requires countries to ensure protection irrespective of migrant status. A law designed to permit women who migrate to Belgium to join a husband or partner to remain in the country does not protect women if they leave their abuser while their application is being processed, if they leave him without first telling the authorities or if the partner leaves Belgium. Proving violence and meeting income requirements are also impediments.