SYNOPSIS - Domestic and Family Violence

 

Extent of domestic and family violence in Australa:

·      23% of women report having experienced domestic and family violence - = 2.2million women - 1.7 million women over the age of 15 (ABS data 2001).

·      Research consistently shows that between 85% and 97% of domestic violence is perpetrated by males against females.

·      56,100 women accommodated in SAAP, 53,700 children (2002/03 SAAP data).

·      If only 5% of women access services, this number could be 1.12 million women.

·      24% of women accessing SAAP are Indigenous.

·      Based on 1.73 fertility rate, there are as many as 1.4 - 2.1 million children effected.

·      One quarter of Australian kids have experienced acts of violence against their mother /stepmother.

·      Women of childbearing age are the most likely age group to experience dv.

·      Other research shows 2/3 of women had children in their care at the time. 42% had experienced  domestic violence whilst pregnant - 11% of those  resulting in miscarriage

·      What role modeling are they getting?

·      3 out of 5 murders of women are domestic violence. This amounts to an average of 62 a year.

·      35% of child homicide victims die at the hands of a male offender over relationship breakdown.

·      88% of all crimes against a person offences in the home are perpetrated by males against females.

The impact /effects:

·      Physical injury, isolation, ongoing victimization after separation, anxiety, depression, psychological trauma, drug and alcohol use, mental health issues and poverty

·      Children experience fear for their own safety and that of parent, emotional and behavioural problems, low self esteem, learning difficulties and delays, anxiety and later, self harm, suicide, drug and alcohol use, mental health etc.

The cost:

·      Is enormous - GP.s hospitals, public health, disability, drug and alcohol, mental health services and behavioural support, community services as well as legal costs associated with criminal justice response. Lost earnings, loss of resources to the community in form of tax revenue, productive labour and consumption.

·      In economic terms, is estimated to be more than $1.5 billion annually

Current situation:

Howard government has a very poor track record. $66million over 5 years. Consistent PADV underspends, $10.3ml  to Fridge magnet campaign, $2.7ml dv awareness campaign pulled

Recommendations:

·      Release the "No Respect No Relationship" campaign

·      More funding for services on the ground, early intervention and prevention

·      Fund on going programs, not pilots

·      Progress recommendations arising from several PADV and other reports

·      Re fund the national peak body, WESNET

·      Raise awareness of the extent of the problem at every opportunity

·      Promote positive/healthy role modeling