Exploring Domestic Violence Among Abused Women in Australia

Running head: VIOLENCE AGAINST AUTRALIAN WOMEN 1
Exploring the domestic violence among abused women in Australia
Student’s name
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VIOLENCE AGAINST AUTRALIAN WOMEN 2
Introduction
The domestic violence is a major health issue in the Australian population. The family
and domestic violence occur across socioeconomic and demographic groups and in all ages
however it mainly affects the children and women. The women at high risk of experiencing
domestic violence include the young, pregnant and indigenous women. Furthermore, the women
with disabilities or those experiencing financial hardships are at most risk. This study is therefore
conducted to with the aim of highlighting various viewpoints of women experiencing domestic
violence in their abusive relationship.
Literature
The domestic violence refers to violence that takes place between two people in intimate
relationship in a domestic setting. The violence against women is on rise in Australia and has
huge economic and social impacts to both individual and the society (Mears, 2003). The
encouraging part is that the social problem can be prevented. However, in order to institute
efficient measures to prevent violence against women, there is need to understand the social
problem. There is numerous gender based violence that cause sexual, psychological and physical
harm to women. The violence against women has profound effect on their health and contribute
to deaths, illness and disabilities in women (Garcia-Moreno & Watts, 2011). It is also reported
that domestic violence against women is one of the largest contributing factor homelessness for
women around the world (Sokoloff & Dupont, 2005). The combined cost associated with
violence against women in Australia is more than $21 billion a year (Cobiac et al., 2009).
The children who see their mother experience violence are likely to be harmed.
The behavioral, social and emotional development of the child is negatively affected. The report

VIOLENCE AGAINST AUTRALIAN WOMEN 3
by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) further indicate that women are likely to experience
more violence in previous partner compared to current partner. It has been suggested that broader
attitudes towards women need to be changed in order to address this social problem. The stigma
associated with issue prevent women from reporting to relevant authorities. ABS statistics
further indicate that women preferred reporting violence only after separation. 92% of women in
relationship were experiencing violence (Loxton, Schofield & Hussain, 2006).
The violence against women is on rise in Australia. Very few cases are reported in the
media yet the problem continues in the families thus little attention has been given to the issue by
the general public. The recent reports indicate that women have the highest violence by partner
(17%) compared to males (6%) (Loxton, Schofield & Hussain, 2006). In 2016 alone, over 1.6
million women reported domestic violence. The domestic violence is therefore a major issue that
need to be addressed in conjunction with other cases such as child abuse and rape. Though there
have been many measures put in place to combat the issue, surprisingly domestic violence
directed against women still remain high among other social problems (Hegarty, Hindmarsh &
Gilles, 2000). There are Acts put in place, however there is need to investigate loopholes in the
legal system that has resulted in failure of the Act to protect the victims. Though domestic
violence has been reported as main social problem, there is luck of studies indicating efficacy of
approaches put in place to fight violence. Furthermore, the causes and consequences of domestic
violence against women in Australian context is still under-researched.
Research questions
1. How does the domestic violence impact the life of the abused women?