VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Why is Violence Against Women a priority issue?
Violence against women, domestic or family violence and intimate partner violence are all ways of talking about gender based violence.
The term gender based violence encompasses a range of abuses that result in, or are likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, whether they occur in public or private life (United Nations, 1993). Research has established that rather than being a few isolated acts, violence against women is a pattern of behaviour that violates the human rights of women and girls, limits their participation in society and damages their health and well-being (García-Moreno et al., 2013).
The cost of violence against women to individuals, communities and the whole of society is staggering and unacceptable.
Gender based violence is prevalent, serious and preventable; it is also a crime.
Violence Against Women: Policy and Policy Development
Examination of the health outcomes of intimate partner violence against women: State of knowledge paper
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This paper systematically reviews evidence on the health outcomes for women in Australia experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), noting that causal pathways are complex and subject to a rapidly growing body of knowledge. It also describes current data sources on the prevalence of IPV and possible ways to address the gap in exposure data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
A preventable burden: Measuring and addressing the prevalence and health impacts of intimate partner violence in Australian women: Key findings and future directions
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report outlines new findings on the health impacts of intimate partner violence and the contribution it makes to the overall disease burden in Australian Women. The findings are considered in the context of other evidence and the implications for policy, practice and further research are discussed. The second of two reports, this one focuses on two populations that experience the highest health impacts: women of reproductive age (18-44 years) and Indigenous women (see above).
COAG Advisory Panel on Reducing Violence against Women and their Children FINAL REPORT
Publisher: Commonwealth of Australia, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report investigates the destructive impact of violence against women and their children in Australia.and recommends a new approach to achieve lasting change. The recommendations are designed to inform the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
Second Action Plan (Moving Ahead) 2013-2016 Violence against Women and Their Children 2010-2022
Publisher: Australian Government, Department of Social Services 27/06/2014
Status – CURRENT
Second Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (2010-2022) media hub. Here you will find information about the Second Action Plan, along with resources to assist media interested in compiling news stories.
National implementation plan for the first action plan 2010-2013
Publisher: Australia. Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, September 2012
Status – CURRENT
This document outlines how the Commonwealth Government, along with all State and Territory Governments and the community, will work together to lay the groundwork for the future to deliver on the key national priorities under the National plan to reduce violence against women and their children 2012-2022.
Indigenous family violence : primary prevention framework
Publisher: Victoria. Department of Human Services, June 2012
Status – CURRENT
The framework is a resource for Aboriginal communities to guide the development and evaluation of prevention initiatives. It is also a tool for mainstream organisations and government partners who may be working or be intending to work in the prevention of Aboriginal family violence.
National plan to reduce violence against women and their children 2010-2022 : incorporating the first three-year action plan
Publisher: Australia. Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, 2011
Status – CURRENT
The Plan brings together the efforts of governments across the nation to make a real and sustained reduction in the levels of violence against women. This plan shows Australia’s commitment to upholding the human rights of Australian women and it is the first plan to coordinate action across jurisdictions. The Plan focuses on preventing violence by raising awareness and building respectful relationships in the next generation. The aim is to bring attitudinal and behavioural change at the cultural, institutional and individual levels, with a particular focus on young people. The National Plan has been built from an evidence base of new research and extensive consultation with experts and the community. It sets out a framework for action over the next 12 years. By working together and challenging the attitudes and behaviours that allow violence to occur, all Australian governments are saying a very loud ‘no’ to violence.
Progress Report on The National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022
Publisher: Australian Government, Department of Social Services 15/02/2011
Status – CURRENT
This report is the first in a series of progress reports to the Council of Australian Governments and the general public on the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 (the National Plan). The report details the progress made and challenges faced during the first two years of implementation of the National Plan.
Violence Against Women: Analysis, Comment and Positions
Western Australian Women’s Health and Wellbeing Policy
Western Australian Government – Department of Health 2019
The Policy recognises that women’s experiences of health and wellbeing differ to men’s and that health and wellbeing outcomes are shaped by biomedical and genetic factors health behaviours and the health system in which they live.
Housing Outcomes after domestic and family violence
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute April 2019
This study examined the impact of housing and other support services on safety and wellbeing for families experiencing domestic and family violence. The study also reviewed the legislative framework across Australia, together with interviews with key stakeholders and users.
Health and the Primary Prevention of Violence against Women
Publisher: Australian Women’s Health Network, July 2014
Status – CURRENT
This position paper focuses on the primary prevention of violence perpetrated by men against women. It develops a position on primary prevention (as distinct from secondary and tertiary interventions). It also identifies examples of good practice across settings, and factors for success for primary prevention programs. The paper has been developed as a resource for public education, debate and community activities related to the primary prevention of violence against women.
Women and Mental Health
Publisher: Australian Women’s Health Network, 2012
Status – CURRENT
This paper provides research and recommendations for the improvement of policy and services for mental health in women. It looks at the determinants of mental ill health in women, meeting the needs of women, service delivery and research and education, and provides recommendations in each of these areas.
A High Price to Pay: The Economic Case for Preventing Violence Against Women
Publisher: Our Watch, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, PWC, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This report demonstrates that the cost of violence against women to society remains high and is increasing. At the same time, there are significant potential cost savings and other economic and social benefits to be gained from primary prevention strategies that improve equality in relationships and society.
Advocacy for safety and empowerment: State of knowledge paper
Publisher: Anrows, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This paper analyses critical, policy, service and research literature on responses to Aboriginal women experiencing family and domestic violence in Australia; focusing on non-legal and non-clinical services and women’s specialist services in regional and remote settings. As a critical review, the paper highlights problems in using ideas of “effectiveness” and “success” to drive objectives in service delivery; and seeks to re-centre aspirations for empowerment alongside those for safety.
Anrows Suite of Publications
Publisher: Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety Limited
Status – CURRENT
New, innovative and relevant research on domestic, family and sexual violence, which aims to meet the evidence needs of policy makers and practitioners as well as the broader public. The suite is divided into the following areas of publication: Compass: Concise papers that summarise key findings of research on violence against women and their children, including research produced under ANROWS’s research program, and provide advice on the implications for policy and practice. Fast Facts: A quick reference resource for Key facts and figures on topics related to violence against women and their children. Footprints: Thematic publication focussed on communicating new, innovative and emerging research, policy and practice addressing violence against women and their children. Landscapes: Medium length papers that scope current knowledge on an issue related to violence against women and their children. Papers will draw on empirical research, including research produced under ANROWS’s research program, and/or practice knowledge. Notepad: Fortnightly update on the latest research, events, training, stakeholder news and issues in the media. Insights: ANROWS’s work including submissions, speeches, presentations and multimedia publications.
A Safer State
Publisher: NSW Women’s Alliance 2015
Status – CURRENT
A blueprint to end sexual assault and domestic and family violence in NSW through leadership, prevention and early intervention and sustainable service and support systems.
Violence Against Women and Girls – Prevention of violence against women and girls: what does the evidence say?
Publisher: The Lancet, April 2015
Status – CURRENT
In the past 20 years there has been a lot of research undertaken about violence against women. These Papers: review available evidence for what works to reduce the prevalence and incidence of violence against women; review the evidence for clinical interventions and discusses the components of a comprehensive health system approach that helps to identify and support women experiencing intimate partner violence; and addresses questions of why focus on men’s violence, what part gender plays, what works in work with men and how gender theory can be usedto work more effectively.
She Speaks Report 2014
Publisher: The University of Queensland, August 2014
Status – Current
The survey from YWCA and report from the Institute of Social Science Research (ISSR) at the University of Queensland reveal that negative gender-based stereotypes damage young women’s working lives, their sense of self, their safety in relationships, and their leadership capacity.
Stop the Violence: Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities in Australia. Background Paper.
Publisher: Women with Disabilities Australia, 2013
Status – CURRENT
Part of the Stop the Violence Project, this is a background paper to the The National Symposium on Violence against Women and Girls with Disabilities. It highlights 6 key issues: recognizing violence; responding to violence; inclusion and participation; sector development, cross-sector collaboration and data capture and use.
Dehumanised -The Forced Sterilisation of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Australia
Publisher: Women With Disabilities Australia, 2013
Status – CURRENT
Recommendations to the Senate Enquiry into the forced sterilisation of women,
Counting on care work in Australia
Publisher: economic Security4Women, 2012
Status – CURRENT
Women are bearing the bulk of the care load – both paid and unpaid – and it is having a significant negative impact on their incomes and retirement savings. Unpaid care work restricts the capacity of carers to earn a living in general and to save for retirement in particular. Most paid care work is undervalued and underpaid and restricts the capacity of the worker to earn a decent living or save for retirement.
Women and violence: Issues Paper
Publisher: Women’s Health Victoria, December 2009 – (Women’s Health Issues Paper; 4)
Status – CURRENT
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Violence Against Women: Evidence
Examination of the health outcomes of intimate partner violence against women: State of knowledge paper
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This paper systematically reviews evidence on the health outcomes for women in Australia experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), noting that causal pathways are complex and subject to a rapidly growing body of knowledge. It also describes current data sources on the prevalence of IPV and possible ways to address the gap in exposure data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
A preventable burden: Measuring and addressing the prevalence and health impacts of intimate partner violence in Australian women: Key findings and future directions
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report outlines new findings on the health impacts of intimate partner violence and the contribution it makes to the overall disease burden in Australian Women. The findings are considered in the context of other evidence and the implications for policy, practice and further research are discussed. The second of two reports, this one focuses on two populations that experience the highest health impacts: women of reproductive age (18-44 years) and Indigenous women (see above).
Examination of the burden of disease of intimate partner violence against women in 2011: Final report
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report extends results from the Australian Burden of Disease Study 2011 (ABDS 2011) to produce detailed estimates of the health burden due to exposure to IPV that are specific to Australian women in 2011. Of note, this report also includes estimates of attributable burden using a broader definition of IPV than used in the ABDS 2011, one that includes non-cohabiting partners as well as partner emotional abuse.
Violence against women in CALD communities
Publisher: Australian Government Dept. of Social Services, AMES, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This document summarises the outcomes of a project focusing on the primary prevention of violence against women in CALD communities. Based on community consultation and research it identifies issues that need to be considered when working with CALD communities to prevent violence against women and recommends future actions for consideration.
COAG Advisory Panel on Reducing Violence against Women and their Children FINAL REPORT
Publisher: Commonwealth of Australia, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report investigates the destructive impact of violence against women and their children in Australia.and recommends a new approach to achieve lasting change. The recommendations are designed to inform the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
It’s gone wild out there: Women’s stories about sexuality and ageing
Publisher: C Barrett, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society La Trobe University. Melbourne Australia, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This report outlines a project that sought to create safe spaces for older women to talk about sexual assault. The project explored whether broadening the focus from ‘sexual assault’ to ‘sexual wellbeing and safety’ would successfully engage older women. It aims to educate service providers and policy makers to develop policies and services for older women in this area.
A High Price to Pay: The Economic Case for Preventing Violence Against Women
Publisher: Our Watch, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, PWC, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This report demonstrates that the cost of violence against women to society remains high and is increasing. At the same time, there are significant potential cost savings and other economic and social benefits to be gained from primary prevention strategies that improve equality in relationships and society.
Promoting community-led responses to violence against immigrant and refugee women in metropolitan and regional Australia: The ASPIRE Project: State of knowledge paper
Publisher: Anrows, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This state of knowledge paper examines a broad range of national and international research to present the current knowledge about family violence against immigrant and refugee women. While the paper identifies critical evidence on the topic, it acknowledges that much of the available literature has methodological issues, including incomplete and inconclusive prevalence data; small sample sizes; and conceptualising family violence in ways that are not recognised by immigrant and refugee communities.
Violence against women in Australia: Additional analysis of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Personal Safety Survey, 2012
Publisher: Anrows, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This ANROWS research project provides substantial additional analysis of data collected in the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) 2012 Personal Safety Survey (PSS). The PSS is the most comprehensive quantitative study of interpersonal violence in Australia. The survey is administered by the ABS and funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. More than 17,000 women and men completed the 2012 survey. The analysis completed in this project provides several hundred new statistical items related to violence against women.
Seeking help for domestic violence: Exploring rural women’s coping experiences: State of knowledge paper
Publisher: Anrows, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This state of knowledge paper examines research and literature on the effects of social and geographical isolation and remoteness on the ability of women to disclose, report, seek help, and receive appropriate interventions following domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault. The paper outlines: research findings on regional, rural and remote women’s experiences of domestic and family violence and sexual assault; and the main approaches of service delivery for domestic and family violence and sexual assault, drawing on literature that describes service provision in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Gender Indicators, Australia, Aug 2015
Publisher: Australian Bureau Statistics, August 2015
Status – CURRENT
Statistics on Gender Indicators. Indicators are spread across six major areas of social concern for gender equality (Economic security, Education, Health, Work and family balance, Safety and justice, and Democracy, governance and citizenship).
What does it take? Developing informed and effective tertiary responses to violence and abuse of women and girls with disabilities in Australia: State of knowledge paper
Publisher: Anrows, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This paper establishes the current state of knowledge on tertiary responses to violence and abuse for women and girls with disabilities. The paper outlines: tertiary responses to violence and abuse for women and young women with disabilities; and what the evidence says about the effectiveness of tertiary responses for women and young women with disabilities.
Anrows Suite of Publications
Publisher: Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety Limited
Status – CURRENT
New, innovative and relevant research on domestic, family and sexual violence, which aims to meet the evidence needs of policy makers and practitioners as well as the broader public. The suite is divided into the following areas of publication: Compass: Concise papers that summarise key findings of research on violence against women and their children, including research produced under ANROWS’s research program, and provide advice on the implications for policy and practice. Fast Facts: A quick reference resource for Key facts and figures on topics related to violence against women and their children. Footprints: Thematic publication focussed on communicating new, innovative and emerging research, policy and practice addressing violence against women and their children. Landscapes: Medium length papers that scope current knowledge on an issue related to violence against women and their children. Papers will draw on empirical research, including research produced under ANROWS’s research program, and/or practice knowledge. Notepad: Fortnightly update on the latest research, events, training, stakeholder news and issues in the media. Insights: ANROWS’s work including submissions, speeches, presentations and multimedia publications.
Violence Against Women and Girls – Prevention of violence against women and girls: what does the evidence say?
Publisher: The Lancet, April 2015
Status – CURRENT
In the past 20 years there has been a lot of research undertaken about violence against women. These Papers: review available evidence for what works to reduce the prevalence and incidence of violence against women; review the evidence for clinical interventions and discusses the components of a comprehensive health system approach that helps to identify and support women experiencing intimate partner violence; and addresses questions of why focus on men’s violence, what part gender plays, what works in work with men and how gender theory can be usedto work more effectively.
Partner Violence and the Health of Australian Women
Publisher: Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, 2005
Status – CURRENT
The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) has added significantly to our understanding of the effects of partner violence. Partner violence has a serious impact on women’s physical and mental health, including increased symptoms and medical conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (including cervical cancer) and depressive illness. Not surprisingly, women who have lived in violent relationships use health services more often than other women, and are especially more likely than others to visit their GPs. Other life experiences can help or hinder the health and wellbeing of women who have experienced partner violence. For example, women with high social support are healthier than those without.
Health and Experience of Violence Among Young Australian Women
Publisher: Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, 2004
Status – CURRENT
Violence against women is associated with serious reproductive outcomes. These include unwanted and unplanned pregnancies, high rates of abortion, low birth-weight, sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection, and the murder of both mother and child. Violence against women also impacts on their general physical and mental health.
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Violence Against Women: Practice
Health and the Primary Prevention of Violence against Women
Publisher: Australian Women’s Health Network, July 2014
Status – CURRENT
This position paper focuses on the primary prevention of violence perpetrated by men against women. It develops a position on primary prevention (as distinct from secondary and tertiary interventions). It also identifies examples of good practice across settings, and factors for success for primary prevention programs. The paper has been developed as a resource for public education, debate and community activities related to the primary prevention of violence against women.
Examination of the health outcomes of intimate partner violence against women: State of knowledge paper
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This paper systematically reviews evidence on the health outcomes for women in Australia experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), noting that causal pathways are complex and subject to a rapidly growing body of knowledge. It also describes current data sources on the prevalence of IPV and possible ways to address the gap in exposure data for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
A preventable burden: Measuring and addressing the prevalence and health impacts of intimate partner violence in Australian women: Key findings and future directions
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report outlines new findings on the health impacts of intimate partner violence and the contribution it makes to the overall disease burden in Australian Women. The findings are considered in the context of other evidence and the implications for policy, practice and further research are discussed. The second of two reports, this one focuses on two populations that experience the highest health impacts: women of reproductive age (18-44 years) and Indigenous women (see above).
Examination of the burden of disease of intimate partner violence against women in 2011: Final report
Publisher: ANROWS, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This report extends results from the Australian Burden of Disease Study 2011 (ABDS 2011) to produce detailed estimates of the health burden due to exposure to IPV that are specific to Australian women in 2011. Of note, this report also includes estimates of attributable burden using a broader definition of IPV than used in the ABDS 2011, one that includes non-cohabiting partners as well as partner emotional abuse.
Violence against women in CALD communities
Publisher: Australian Government Dept. of Social Services, AMES, 2016
Status – CURRENT
This document summarises the outcomes of a project focusing on the primary prevention of violence against women in CALD communities. Based on community consultation and research it identifies issues that need to be considered when working with CALD communities to prevent violence against women and recommends future actions for consideration.
Stop the Violence: Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities in Australia. Background Paper.
Publisher: Women with Disabilities Australia, 2013
Status – CURRENT
Part of the Stop the Violence Project, this is a background paper to the The National Symposium on Violence against Women and Girls with Disabilities. It highlights 6 key issues: recognizing violence; responding to violence; inclusion and participation; sector development, cross-sector collaboration and data capture and use.
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Violence Against Women: Tools
Health and the Primary Prevention of Violence against Women
Publisher: Australian Women’s Health Network, July 2014
Status – CURRENT
This position paper focuses on the primary prevention of violence perpetrated by men against women. It develops a position on primary prevention (as distinct from secondary and tertiary interventions). It also identifies examples of good practice across settings, and factors for success for primary prevention programs. The paper has been developed as a resource for public education, debate and community activities related to the primary prevention of violence against women.
Women with Disability & Domestic & Family Violence
Publisher: People with Disability Australia and Domestic Violence NSW Inc., 2016
Status – CURRENT
Australian women with disability are 37.3% more at risk of domestic and family violence. In NSW, over 43% of women experiencing personal violence have disability or a long-term illness, meaning that they experience violence at twice the rate of other women. The toolkit is a package of 3 informative and practical documents designed to support a service to become disability inclusive:
It’s gone wild out there: Women’s stories about sexuality and ageing
Publisher: C Barrett, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society La Trobe University. Melbourne Australia, 2015
Status – CURRENT
This report outlines a project that sought to create safe spaces for older women to talk about sexual assault. The project explored whether broadening the focus from ‘sexual assault’ to ‘sexual wellbeing and safety’ would successfully engage older women. It aims to educate service providers and policy makers to develop policies and services for older women in this area.
Responding to Child to Parent Violence
Publisher: Responding to Child to Parent Violence 2015
Status – CURRENT
Child to Parent Violence (CPV) is the most hidden, misunderstood and stigmatised form of family violence. It involves teenage and younger girls and boys who use physical, psychological, emotional and financial abuse over time to the extent that parents/carers live in fear of their child. The project adopted an action research methodology motivated to understand practice and policy in relation to CPV in each partner country (Spain, Bulgaria, England and Sweden) and to learn how to improve both by reflecting on the changes made through project actions. The project aimed to raise awareness of child to parent violence, find out how countries across Europe deal with it and provide resources including films and toolkits for practitioners who work with young people and parents experiencing this problem. The project has raised awareness of two CPV intervention models currently in use – in particular Break4Change (Brighton & Hove City Council) and Non Violent Resistance (National University of Ireland, Galway) – and investigated how these models could be used effectively in other countries.
Keep Your Boat Afloat
Publisher: Women’s Health Goulburn North East, 2013
Status – CURRENT
WHGNE has operated a domestic violence specific No Interest Loans (NILS) program since 2007. As a result of this work we recognised that there was a need for resources identifying financial abuse as a form of family violence. Women who were separating from a partner were missing out on services available to them because they were not aware that the financial abuse they had experienced in their past relationship was in fact, family violence. We would regularly hear from women “He controlled all the money. I had nothing to spend on myself or the kids. But he never hit me. That’s not domestic violence is it?” The Federal Government’s National Plan of action to reduce violence against women and their children argues that because financial dependence is a major factor influencing a woman’s decision to remain with an abusive partner, and family violence is also often associated with poverty and homelessness; therefore financial independence and security are essential for leaving and staying away from an abusive partner.
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Violence against women [Webpage]
/in Australia-wide /by adminPublisher: Women’s Health Victoria
Status – NA
Preventing violence against women [Webpage]
/in Australia-wide /by adminPublisher: VicHealth
Status – NA