New children’s book helps DV survivors from refugee backgrounds to get legal help

A new book, commissioned by Legal Aid NSW’s Refugee Service, has been created to educate refugee communities about the free legal assistance available in New South Wales through Legal Aid NSW.

The Ribbon is an inspirational children’s book about a refugee child migrating to Australia with their family, and was created by Lost in Books Fairfield, officially launching during Refugee Week 2023. 

The story was written by Assyrian-Australian writer Monikka Eliah and illustrations were designed by refugee and illustrator Hussein Nabeel.

Legal Aid NSW’s Refugee Service Community Engagement Officer Nohara Odicho commissioned the book after noticing that many refugee women were too afraid to take home pamphlets about domestic violence.

“Many refugee women – particularly domestic violence victim-survivors – want to access legal help but are too scared of being found out to take resources at outreach sessions or public events,” she said.

“This book is about empowering refugees with the legal resources they need to get help while also educating them and their children about the support available.”

“The Refugee Service helps with problems like immigration, housing, discrimination, harassment, problems with Family and Community Services and domestic and family violence,” she said.

The story is available in Arabic, Dari, Burmese and Swahili, and uses the analogy of a tight ribbon to help children understand the emotions associated with moving to a new country. 

It is a story of hope with one powerful message:

We are not alone. For the heavy
knots we feel, there are special
hands that can try to untie them.

Feedback about the book has been positive, with many families taking the book and calling Legal Aid NSW’s Refugee Service with legal questions.

Legal Aid NSW CEO Monique Hitter said legal education resources – particularly in different languages – are essential to ensure access to justice for people in the most disadvantaged of circumstances.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to provide educational resources to disadvantaged communities about the legal support that is available in NSW,” she said.

A digital copy of the book can be accessed here.