Chimeg's Story

Part of a series of 16 stories featuring women we have accompanied through the Finding Safety Project, shared for the 16 Days of Activism.

Chimeg was an accountant in her home country. She sought asylum in Australia after experiencing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). 

Chimeg became pregnant after she was assaulted by a stranger at a party. 

When her husband found out, he accused Chimeg of infidelity and decided to leave her. Meanwhile, the perpetrator continued to harass Chimeg and make threats against her life. 

With limited options available to her, Chimeg entered into substantial debt in order to purchase passage to Australia. 

By the time Chimeg arrived in Sydney to seek asylum, she was eight months pregnant. She gave birth to her baby boy at a local hospital.

I want everyone to be able to find the support that they need. It is very important, without it people will be lost and helpless.
Chimeg*, client of JRS Australia's Finding Safety Project.

Although Chimeg now has a protection visa, which enables her with work rights and Medicare, Chimeg’s journey has been traumatic. 

Chimeg’s family are in danger due to the financial burden of the debt Chimeg accrued. Chimeg suffers anxiety, is a single mother to a very young child, and is learning English as a second language. 

The Finding Safety Project has been able to provide Chimeg with referrals for mental health support, English classes, and access to the Women’s Space. Chimeg visits regularly to meet with friends, and brings her son to play with the other children. 

Chimeg felt she would be lost without the support she receives at the Women’s Space, and wants to make sure more people have access to the help they require. 

*name changed to protect story-teller’s identity

16 Days of Activism

JRS Australia is participating in the call to action presented by the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls. This story has been shared as part of our “16 Days, 16 Stories” Campaign for 2023, focusing on the work we do through our Finding Safety Project to support women on temporary visas who have experienced or are at risk of sexual or gender-based violence. 

We sincerely hope that reading these stories, and learning more about the important work our Finding Safety Project does in the absence of any other coordinated or government support, will inspire you to invest in us, invest in the women we serve, and invest in a future where women and girls are free from all forms of violence.

Visit our 16 Days, 16 Stories campaign page to learn more.