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Violence Against Women: Intimate Partner Violence
Women's Health Information Package
Definition
Intimate partner violence (sometimes referred to as domestic violence) occurs when one individual uses violence or abuse as a way of gaining power and control over another individual with whom they are currently, or were formerly, in an intimate relationship. Within an intimate relationship there are a number of different types of violence including physical, sexual, verbal, psychological/emotional, and financial.
Violence against women is a crime, a human rights violation and a major gender issue with significant health, social, and economic costs. Evidence suggests that the vast majority of victims are women, with 34 per cent of women surveyed for the Australian component of the International Violence against Women Survey (see resource 8) experiencing at least one form of violence by a former or current partner over their lifetime. Recent research also reveals that intimate partner violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15-44 years (see resource 7) and the cost of domestic violence in Australia is estimated at more than $8 billion dollars (see resource 9).
The focus in this information package is on abuse against adult women by their current or former partners. The package provides general information, the latest research, and issues relevant for specific situations. Although the impact of exposure to violence on children is an important issue in any violence situation, it is not the focus of this resource. The resources listed focus primarily on defining what constitutes an intimate partner violence situation and the impact of this. The resources examine how the service system is responding and how this response can be improved.
About
the information resources
The information on intimate partner violence contained in this resource was compiled following an extensive search of Women's Health Victoria's (WHV) Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. Included are details of relevant books, journals, articles, web sites or pamphlets that have been independently reviewed by a health professional. The emphasis is on the Australian situation. A social model of health and feminist approach provide the framework within which information is provided. Where possible, illustrations of women's experiences are provided. Web sites and contact details for organisations that can provide practical assistance (e.g. counselling and support) are also provided.
All of these resources and a range of others covering many topics are available from the WHV Clearinghouse Resource Centre.
A description of how Women's Health Information packages are developed and resources chosen is
available here.
General information
1. Breaking the silence
Light, D. The Bulletin, 2003; (4 June)
Full text available here.
A powerful retelling of a personal story to highlight the prevalence and reality of domestic violence in Australia today.
2. Home Truths: a conference in review
Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, Issues, no 3; March 2005
Full text available here.
This Issues Paper examines some of the debates and themes that were identified at the Home Truths: Stop Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence conference held in Melbourne in 2004. It has relevance for the local, national and global level. It highlights how participants responded to new ideas or challenges, and draws attention to the areas they felt were obvious next steps for governments, policy workers, service providers and communities to extend their collective efforts towards ending sexual assault and domestic violence.
3. Domestic violence in Australia: definition, prevalence and nature of presentation in clinical practice
Hegarty, Kelsey; Hindmarsh, Elizabeth D; Gilles, Marisa T. Medical Journal of Australia, 2 October 2000; 173:363-367
Full text available here.
This article discusses domestic violence as a major health problem that is common in women attending clinical practice. It looks at how women may present to a general practitioner and provides some suggestions on how to raise the subject with a patient.
4. Health and experiences of violence among young Australian women
Taft, Angela; Watson, Lyn; Lee, Christina. Newcastle, NSW Women's Health Australia, 2004
Full text available here.
Information sheet reporting on data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health on violence against young women, their experiences, and the impacts on them including sexual, reproductive and mental health consequences.
5. Family homicide in Australia
Mouzos, J; Rushforth, C; Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, 2003; (255)
Full text available here.
This article provides concrete data to challenge public perceptions about homicide. It provides statistics and explores the various situations that lead to homicide within a family, including intimate partner violence. It is easy to read and would be of value to anyone seeking to deepen his or her understanding of the issue.
6. 'His money or our money?': financial abuse of women in intimate partner relationships
Branigan, Elizabeth. Coburg, Vic: Coburg-Brunswick Community Legal and Financial Counselling Centre Inc., 2005
This report defines financial abuse.and presents a number of women's experiences of it. Illustrating a complex interaction between money, gender and power, the stories show that financial abuse entrenches the poverty and dependence of women and children, and may have severe long-term impacts.
Research
7. The health costs of violence: measuring the burden of disease caused by intimate partner violence: a summary of findings
Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, 2004
Full text available here (PDF 408KB)
This publication provides a summary of a VicHealth/Department of Human Services study into the health impact of intimate partner violence on women. It draws from research evidence to demonstrate the social and economic consequences of the health impacts for women, their families, and the community resulting from domestic violence. It has a comprehensive list of references for those wishing to read more widely on this subject.
8. Women's experiences of male violence: findings from the Australian component of the International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS)
Mouzos, Jenny; Makkai, Toni. Australian Institute of Criminology Research and Public Policy Series no.56, Canberra : Australian Institute of Criminology, 2004
Full text available here.
This survey was conducted across Australia with 6677 women aged between 18 and 69 years participating and providing information on their experiences of physical and sexual violence. The report explains types of violence, prevalence, severity and correlates of victimisation, and describes victims' perception and reactions to violence. Policy implications of preventing violence against women are explored.
9. The cost of domestic violence to the Australian economy: part 1 & part 2
Access Economics. Canberra : Office of the Status of Women, Australia, 2004
Full text available here for part 1 (PDF 418KB)
and here for part 2 (PDF 357KB)
Corrigendum is available here (PDF 16KB)
This report was undertaken to provide an accurate and comprehensive estimation of the costs of domestic violence to the Australian economy. Part 1 (the main volume) provides an extended summary of the analysis and its findings. Part 2 provides more detailed descriptions of the methodology and its application.
NB: The corrigendum contains corrections to Tables 6 and 7 in Part 2 and amendments to corresponding sentences referring to those tables in Part 1. The corrections do not materially affect the key results and conclusions of the report.
10. Attitudes to domestic and family violence in a diverse Australian community
Partnerships Against Domestic Violence. Canberra : June 2000
The research project involved consultations with 280 people from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds through focus groups, in-depth interviews and community meetings. Participants were drawn from the general community, indigenous Australians, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including Vietnamese, Cantonese, Bosnian, Filipino, Turkish and Arabic.
11. Staying home, leaving violence: promoting choices for women leaving abusive partners
Edwards, Robyn. Sydney : Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2004
Full text available here.
Research study that explored how women leaving an abusive relationship could safely remain in their homes, with their children, with their partner being removed. The report identifies critical factors, safety strategies, legal, emotional and practical support which contributed to the women's decision either to stay or leave.
Specific situations
12. Two lives - two worlds: older people and domestic violence, volumes 1 & 2
Morgan Disney & Associates; Leigh Cupitt & Associates; Council on the Ageing. Canberra : Partnerships Against Domestic Violence, 2000
Full text available here for volume 1 (PDF 425KB) and here for volume 2 (PDF 297KB).
This report examines the many significantly different issues confronting older women experiencing domestic violence. This report will alert all practitioners in services that engage with older women to their particular concerns and needs when attempting to confront the issue.
13. Women's experiences of domestic abuse in rural and remote Australia
Loxton, D. 7th National Rural Health Conference, Hobart, Tasmania, 1-4 March 2003
Full text available here.
This conference paper reports on the findings of research undertaken as part of the Women's Safety Australia Survey and the initiatives of the Commonwealth's Partnership Against Domestic Violence program. It discusses the unique circumstances that surround women living in rural and remote areas of Australia. It would help inform these communities and build understanding of the issues.
14. Violence against women in pregnancy and childbirth: current knowledge and issues in health care responses
Taft, A. Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse Issues Paper, 2002; (6):1-23
Full text available here (PDF 490KB)
Pregnancy and childbirth can be stressors to trigger domestic violence. For those women living with an already abusive partner, pregnancy does not usually afford any protection. The regular contact most pregnant women will have with the health system affords the woman and the system an opportunity for beneficial intervention. This paper identifies the issues and challenges the preparedness of the system to use the opportunity.
15. Making waves: attending to lesbian relationship violence
Bird, Kassa (ed.). Byron Bay, NSW : Wayward Concepts, 2003
This manual discusses lesbian domestic violence from a feminist and lesbian analysis context. It discusses issues of discrimination and homophobia, looks at both the similarities and differences of violence against heterosexual women and lesbian women, discusses the specific situations of lesbians in a rural setting, aboriginal lesbians and lesbians from non-English speaking backgrounds. Different sections discuss legal options, community responses, health professional responses and practical resources.
16. Double the odds - domestic violence and women with disabilities
Salthouse, S; Frohmader, C. Home Truths: Stop Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence - A National Challenge Conference, Melbourne, Vic., 15-17 September 2004
Full text available here.
This paper describes how women with disabilities (who make up 20 per cent of the population of women) experience domestic violence in situations similar to all women, but highlights how cultural and societal factors increase the level of discrimination and continue to isolate and marginalise them.
It is acknowledged that there are current gaps in information in relation to CALD women, Indigenous women and community attitudes to IPV.
Consumer focused information
17. Violence against women: what can I do?
Victorian Community Council Against Violence, 8th ed. Melbourne : Victorian Community Council Against Violence, 2003
The 2001 6th edition is available online here (PDF 157KB)
This small booklet contains useful, factual information. It provides a good introduction to the different types of domestic violence and what they are, discusses 'myths and facts', the effect of violence, and the assistance that is available to women experiencing violence. It also includes a good list of contact numbers.
18. Invisible wounds: a self-help guide for women in destructive relationships
Douglas, K. London : Women's Press, 2000
This self-help book covers many of the strategies used by women to enable them in the first instance to leave a destructive relationship, then slowly recover and rebuild their lives. It offers professional insight from an intimate experience perspective. The stories and journeys of many women are shared throughout this book.
19. Relationships
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre. Melbourne : Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, 2000
This print resource is complemented by the following web site When Love Hurts, updated in 2004.
A pocket size booklet aimed at young women. It talks about what a healthy relationship is and introduces the theme of unhealthy relationships and violence. It includes a list of contact numbers for further information and assistance. The web site also includes other useful information on domestic violence.
20. Is someone you know being abused in a relationship?: a guide for families, friends and neighbours
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre; Victorian Community Council Against Violence. Collingwood, Vic : Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, 2001
Full text available here.
Booklet written specifically for those people close to someone being abused. It gives very practical information on recognising abuse, discusses issues around 'should I get involved?' what to do to help, what not to do, how to look after yourself, and lists services that provide assistance. Available in ten languages.
21. A powerful journey: a research report: women reflect on what helped them leave
Women's Health Goulburn North East. Wangaratta : Women's Health Goulburn North East, 2004
This report presents the findings of research undertaken with women in the Goulburn Valley and northeast Victoria. It discusses the service systems responding when women are making the decision to leave abusive relationships, and makes recommendations for change. Valuable to both individual women and service providers. Easy to read and informative.
22. Choosing positive paths: a resources and information kit for parents concerned about their children
Women's Health West; Berry Street Victoria. Melbourne : Women's Health West June 2003
Full text available from Women's Health West here and Berry Street Victoria here.
A resource kit for people caring for a child who has witnessed or experienced domestic violence. Comprising 10 fact sheets, which provide information, practical strategies and contact details for further assistance. Useful for women or service providers.
23. Love & money: are you getting your fair $hare
Coburg-Brunswick Community Legal & Financial Counselling Centre
Full text available here.
Pamphlet listing warning signs of financial abuse, how to avoid it and where to get help.
Web sites
24. Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre - Information sheets
http://www.dvirc.org.au
Web site produced by a Victorian-based, Australian organisation containing online information sheets, which can be downloaded. The sheets provide a good range of introductory information on the topic of domestic violence, details about the service and available publications and stories by people who have experienced abuse.
25. Bursting the Bubble - by the Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre
http://www.burstingthebubble.com
A web site for young people who witness or experience violence at home. Easy on the eyes and easy to navigate. Using straightforward questionnaires, allows you to look at the problems at home clearly. You can develop a "safety plan" or use one of the many useful services listed to get support and direction. Personal stories are shared so you know you're not alone in having to confront this issue.
26. No to violence - NTV Male Family Violence Prevention Association
http://www.ntv.net.au/ntv_nine_eleven.htm
This web site is targeted at men who use violence towards family members. It provides useful information, links and information on services available for men. It is an Australian organisation, based in Melbourne.
27. Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearing House
http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au
Newsletters, issue papers, literature reviews and conference papers on domestic violence and sexual assault can easily be obtained from this web site. The majority of information included is Australian-based.
Some services
available in Victoria
1. Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Line
Provides support, information and referrals to safe accommodation.
Phone: (03) 9373 0123 or toll free 1800 015 188 (24hrs 7days a week)
2. Immigrant Women's Domestic Violence Service
Provides support and information to immigrant women in their first language.
Phone: (03) 9898 3145 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm)
3. Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre (DVIRC)
Provides information, training, publications, as well as the contact details for regional Domestic Violence Outreach Workers. Their library holds many books and articles and is open to the general public.
Phone: (03) 9486 9866 (Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm); TTY: 9417 1255
4. Kara House Lesbian Domestic Violence Outreach Service
Povides information about housing, legal issues & financial advice. Also referral to lesbian-specific counselling & medical services.
Phone: (03) 9877 9522 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm)
Email: Karahouse@infoxchange.net.au
5. Victims of Crime Helpline
Provides victims of crime with information on access to counselling and referrals to services that can provide practical support and assistance.
Phone: 1300 659 419 or freecall (country) 1800 819 817 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm)
6. No To Violence (NTV) Male Family Violence Prevention Association
Provides information and referral for men who are violent or abusive and are interested in trying to change their behaviour.
Phone: (03) 9428 2899 or 1800 065 973 (Mon-Fri 12.00pm-9.00pm)
7. The Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence
Provides a telephone support service for all members of the Jewish community.
Phone: (03) 9523 2100 (Mon: 9am-1pm, Tue: 5pm-9pm, Wed: 9am-1pm, Thurs: 5pm-9pm)
Other languages
If you are looking for information on a variety of health topics in languages other than English try searching:
Free Internet access locations
Locations of free Internet access terminals across Victoria are available through this web site:
http://www.internet-access.vic.gov.au
Reviewed May 2005
For details on how to locate any of this information or to confidentially discuss any of this information, contact your local Women’s Health Service or the RWH Women's Health Information Centre phone line, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on (03) 9344 2007;
country callers: 1800 442 007; or email.
Health professionals and other service providers wishing to access the services of the WHV Clearinghouse contact us by phone:
(03) 9662 3755, fax: (03) 9663 7955 or email.
Other resource information on various health topics can be accessed via the Clearinghouse Resource Collection database. Online access is available here.
For
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YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US
We would encourage you to take a moment to email
our Health Information and Education Officer, at clearinghouse@whv.org.au
and let us know:
- if you found this information useful
- if you have read any of the books or pamphlets
listed
- if, after reading our women's health information packages, you would try to find any of the books or
articles listed
- if you have read anything on a particular topic
not included in our women's health information packages
that you think should be included.
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