Alsana’s Story
Content warning: this article features references to gender-based violence and other sensitive content
Alsana grew up in South Asia, where she dreamt of receiving an education but was denied the opportunity to learn to read and write. She escaped her first marriage to a violent husband. Her second husband seemed kind at first, but after she arrived in Australia as his dependent, he too became abusive.
By the time she found RACS, Alsana was incredibly vulnerable. She was easily triggered and suffered from significant stress and anxiety.
Your support meant Alsana had a RACS lawyer who was mindful of the risk of retraumatisation - someone who could advocate for her legal case and her wellbeing before officials in the asylum process.
"I was both scared and confused but once I was assigned a lawyer I was very comfortable," Alsana says. "Even though I was going through a very rough time and there were times I wasn’t sure about the process, I got through it all because I had full faith in the team at RACS."
Because of you, Alsana had help to thoroughly prepare for her Department interview. Her RACS lawyer worked with her to build her confidence in the lead up to the appointment. Her lawyer made sure officials were aware of the unique vulnerabilities that made it difficult for Alsana to respond and precisely recollect dates or experiences.
She says, “When you trust someone, you don’t feel scared. I had trusted both [RACS lawyers] Nabilah and Genevieve which made me strong knowing that they are working so hard for me. They always made me feel safe and heard and when in doubt always told me not to worry that RACS is always with you.”
Because of you, Alsana did not have to attend the interview alone.
Eight years after first arriving in Australia, she was finally granted a permanent protection visa.
“Since granted protection, my life had changed so much,” Alsana affirms. "I could finally live without the fear of being refused the visa or being sent back. It felt that the hard work of all the people working for me has finally paid off. RACS has been always there for me especially at times when it got so hard to get through.”
Thanks to RACS supporters, Alsana now has stability and security in Australia. She has the space and support to heal and rebuild her life.
Alsana's story demonstrates the additional vulnerabilities experienced by asylum-seeking women who are also escaping gender-based violence:
A long history of trauma
Illiteracy
Dependent on an abusive partner for Australian visa, which can make it difficult to report the abuse or even seek help
Credibility questioned due to impacts that trauma has on memory, affecting her protection application process and chances of success
Her case also demonstrates the way legal help can light the way for refugees:
Reducing retraumatisation. Trauma-informed lawyers look out for – and act to reduce – the risks of retraumatisation inherent in the legal process.
Understanding legal options to support wellbeing. In Alsana's case, we requested the Department finalise Alsana’s matter without interview. Self-represented clients, or even clients represented by a professional without trauma-informed experience are unlikely to know this is something that can be requested.
Expert support to prepare for interview. Although the request was not granted in this case, our expertise meant Alsana received thorough preparation for her interview with the Department. She was able to develop her confidence to share her story in an accurate and compelling way.
Effective follow-up on cases. Delays are common in the visa process, with many applications taking years to be finalised. People seeking asylum might not have the knowledge or capacity to follow up but RACS’s years of experience working with the Department means we have insight into the most effective way to pursue stalled applications.
Steady guidance and support over a process that takes many years.
Donate now and light the way to lasting safety for people like Alsana.
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![Ahmed]()
Ahmed
Ahmed fled the country alone, forced to leave his family behind. He arrived in Australia in 2010, where he was detained on Christmas Island and barred from applying for protection. Despite a 2011 finding that he was a refugee needing protection, Australia did not allow him to even apply for a protection visa, let alone grant him the safety he needed.
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![Alaa and Suha's story]()
Alaa and Suha
Alaa and Suha grew up with the threat of violence as an everyday reality. They’d lived through several conflicts and kept a “go bag” of their identity documents handy, ready to evacuate at any time.
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Maryam
Maryam and her family arrived in Australia in 2012. With no protection, no support and no finances, the family’s situation seemed bleak. Read more to hear how RACS was able to assist Maryam to gain permanent safety in Australia.
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Jeanine
When Jeanine fled her home country in East Africa, she became separated from her two sons. After reaching out to RACS, she was granted a permanent visa and from there, was able to apply to be reunited with her children in Australia.
