The scoping review explores how domestic and family violence (DFV) affects children and young people from culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) migrant backgrounds in Australia. Despite Australia’s multicultural population, there is limited research on DFV experiences among this cohort. The review synthesises findings from 19 studies, revealing that children and young people are often direct victim-survivors of multiple forms of DFV, including physical, emotional, and coercive abuse. However, their voices are largely absent from the literature, with most insights derived from parents, carers, or service providers.
The review highlights systemic barriers within child protection and DFV services, including racialised assessments, cultural misunderstandings, and fear of child removal, which deter help-seeking. Structural factors such as migration status, language barriers, and socio-economic disadvantage further compound these challenges. The authors advocate for an intersectional ethics of care framework to guide service responses, ensuring both children and non-violent parents receive holistic support. They call for improved data collection, culturally safe practices, and child-centred research to inform policy and practice. Ultimately, the review underscores the urgent need to recognise and respond to the unique experiences of CARM migrant children and young people affected by DFV.
