Rebuilding in Safety: A Mother’s Journey Through the ASRC’s Wrap-Around Support

As part of our End of Year Appeal, we’re sharing how the ASRC’s wrap-around support helps people seeking asylum move from surviving to thriving.

Fatima* arrived in Australia on a tourist visa from Iran, with her husband, her three-year-old daughter, and expecting another child. As her husband’s behaviour became increasingly violent and coercive, Fatima made the courageous decision to leave in order to protect herself and her children.

With no income and very limited English, Fatima found herself homeless and with nowhere else to turn. Her tourist visa was due to expire within weeks, and she had not yet applied for a Protection visa. When she walked through the doors of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), she carried little more than her daughter and a deep fear of returning to her husband or to Iran.  

With the support of ASRC’s bicultural staff, who translated for her, Fatima was able to share her story. The social services team immediately assessed her urgent needs and Fatima was referred to the ASRC Gender Clinic, a specialist legal clinic helping women and children experiencing family violence, which began her Protection visa application. The ASRC Health Clinic stepped in to connect her with free antenatal care, ensuring she could access the healthcare she needed throughout her pregnancy.

ASRC’s housing team worked quickly to find Fatima and Aya a safe place to stay. The team had recently acquired a Sanctuary House, designed specifically for women and children seeking asylum. Two other single mothers were already living there, including Zara, who also was from Iran. When Zara arrived at the ASRC with her daughters, Bushra and Amira, for their weekly Foodbank collection, staff introduced the two families.

Over the communal lunch, Fatima and Zara connected instantly. Being able to speak in her language, Fatima felt instant relief and comfort. Aya and the other girls bonded just as quickly, their laughter filling the space with warmth.

Today, Fatima is now in the final month of her pregnancy and still living at the Sanctuary House with Zara and her family. She is receiving limited government support, attending counseling sessions and learning English. Zara helps her attend appointments and cares for Aya when needed. The two women cook meals together and they hope to continue living together after the baby is born. 

Zara also introduced Fatima to the ASRC Women’s Empowerment Program, where they participate in activities such as community picnics and water safety days – experiences that have helped Fatima build confidence, form friendships and feel a sense of belonging.

Fatima’s story illustrates the profound impact of the ASRC’s integrated wrap-around model. Newly arrived people seeking asylum – especially those who have not yet lodged Protection visa applications – are among the most vulnerable in our community. They often arrive with no resources, no social networks and limited eligibility for mainstream support. This means the ASRC must advocate for access to already stretched services. 

By addressing immediate needs while building pathways to independence through education, health care, casework and community connection, the ASRC helps people move from crisis to stability. With dedicated funding for structured educational follow-up and intentional case management, this proven model can be strengthened and expanded, ensuring that more people like Fatima can rebuild their lives in safety.

Fatima felt welcomed and had found a sense of community living in the Sanctuary House. Zara and her family have helped Fatima heal and grow in confidence. After fleeing violence, Fatima found more than safety – she found friendship and community. This community is powered by generous contributions of our supporters just like you, defending hope and transforming lives.

Donate today to provide a safe place to sleep in one of our Sanctuary Houses for a mother and child just like Fatima and Aya.

*This case study has been de-identified with a change to country of origin, names and certain aspects of the story. All other details as provided by our Humanitarian Services are factual.