Workshop Introduction

Domestic and family violence is one of Australia’s leading criminal justice, health, safety and wellbeing issues. It occurs across all ages, and all socioeconomic and demographic groups, but predominantly affects women and children. Ignorance of Domestic and Family Violence has been one of the principal factors inhibiting its prevention and prolonging the suffering and distress of its many victims.

Fast Facts

In 2014–15, on average, almost 8 women and 2 men were hospitalised each day after being assaulted by their spouse or partner (AIHW 2017b). From 2012–13 to 2013–14, about 1 woman a week and 1 man a month were killed as a result of violence from a current or previous partner (Bryant & Bricknell 2017).

Almost 1 in 4 (23%) women and 1 in 6 (16%) men have experienced emotional abuse from a current or previous partner since the age of 15 (ABS 2017b).

Almost 1 in 5 women (18%) and 1 in 20 men (4.7%) have experienced sexual violence (sexual assault and/or threats) since the age of 15. Women were most likely to experience sexual violence from a previous cohabiting partner (4.5% of women) or a boyfriend/girlfriend or date (4.3% of women) (2017b).

In 2016, on average, police recorded 52 sexual assaults each day against women and about 11 against men (ABS 2017d) .It is important that all sectors of the community address and play their part in preventing domestic and family violence which is fast becoming a silent genocide in Australia.

It is important that professionals are trained to identify and respond to any concerns for the benefit of the individual experiencing domestic or family violence and his or her family.

With appropriate education and support, professionals can reduce the barriers for victim’s to disclose their concerns and be a source of referral and /or action. An appropriate professional response from a service provider can reinforce an individuals understanding that they are entitled to healthy relationships and a life free from violence.

Such interventions have the potential to not only empower people affected by domestic and family violence but to also contribute to enhanced health outcomes to many. It is important to remember that child abuse and neglect often occurs within the context of family violence, it is required that all staff responding to domestic and family violence are also familiar with the laws relating to the reporting of child abuse and neglect.