Briefing Paper: Policy Change for Domestic Violence in Australia

This briefing note provides a concise analysis of domestic violence in Australia, defining it as violence, abuse, and intimidation within intimate relationships, impacting both genders but predominantly affecting women due to gender inequality. It identifies available policy options, including South Australia’s Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme and Victoria's family violence policy development. Recommendations focus on gender equality approached by faith, engagement of men and boys, ending gender-based violence, gender mainstreaming, and collaboration with stakeholders to raise awareness and eliminate gender inequality, advocating for education, empowerment, and encouragement to address the root causes of domestic violence.

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Table of Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................2
The issue:.........................................................................................................................................2
Available policy options:.................................................................................................................3
Recommendations:..........................................................................................................................4
Conclusion:......................................................................................................................................5
References:......................................................................................................................................7

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Introduction:
Domestic violence has remained one of the major social issues resulting and leading to
several other social issues. For years, domestic violence has always been with a face of women.
It has been noted by the researcher that on an average one woman a week is murdered by her
present or current partner. When domestic violence is studied 85 percent of Australian women
have been sexually harassed. Women not only in Australia but also across the globe are faced
with dreadful incidents leading from domestic violence (Krook, 2017). The briefing note aims to
provide a concise and coherent explanation of the domestic violence in Australia along with the
identification of available policy options. The paper will also provide a recommendation for
bringing change against the social issue.
The issue:
Domestic violence can be defined as violence, abuse and intimidation that take place
between two people who have been or currently in an intimate relationship. Through the usage of
violence the perpetrator control and dominate the other person. The result certainly causes of fear
along with psychological and physical harm. The problem is largely spread including Australia,
domestic violence in Australia can include sexual assault, physical assault, verbal abuse,
financial abuse, emotional abuse, social abuse, spiritual abuse and mental abuse (Boxall, H.,
Rosevear & Payne, 2015).
Some communities such as Torres Straits and aboriginals have preferred the term ‘family
violence’ instead of ‘domestic violence’. It is inclusive of violence between that occurs between
family members such as partner, children and parents (Lonne & Gillespie, 2014). Although

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domestic violence can occur on both the gender and by both the gender, it is mostly men using
violence on women. Since the problem is massive and existing for years, the causes when
investigated narrows down to gender inequality. It is due to the existing gender equality for
centuries that have made men dominant over the women (Brown & James, 2014). The reason
that causes men’s violence against women is the result of gender norms and inequality. It has
become normal for men to be dominant when they feel pressure and they crave for control which
is often done by through violence on women. These characteristics are known as gender norms.
Power plays a big role in the social issue of domestic violence. The violence against women have
deeply rooted causes such as gender norms, acceptance and approval of men’s violence against
women, control over decision making by men, limit to women’s interdependence in private as
well as public life and interaction between men that are aggressive or disrespectful towards
women. Domestic violence is merely not a representation of a social issue, it represents the years
of gender discrimination occurring in society (Othman, Goddard & Piterman, 2014). Other
contributing factors to men’s violence against are exposure to violence, discrimination, alcohol
and substance use, cultural and religious practices, loss of traditional practices and unaware if
Australian laws.
Available policy options:
Laws and legislations regarding domestic violence against women vary indifferent
countries. Australia too has several laws and legislations, private and public organizations that
work to protect and prevent these social issues. South Australia’s Domestic Violence Disclosure
(DVDS) is one of the schemes that provide an avenue for a person who may feel the risk of
being a victim of domestic violence. In case they feel so they can get information about their

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partners or former partners in order to make decisions for their safety (Zannettino & McLaren,
2014). It is an early intervention and not an emergency response service. One of the main
forefronts of family violence policy development and reform has been Victoria in Australia. It
has been influencing for last years in propelling reforms in not only Australian jurisdiction but
also in international jurisdictions. In 2002, the Victorian Law Reform Commissions’ review of
family violence laws has initiated several changes in Victoria. The Law reform Commission was
part of the 2005 integrated service system that was developed by the Victorian government.
During this time, various family violence Court Division developed as well.
Recommendations:
Differences in earning or pay disparity underlined by gender inequality are one of the
major causes that have contributed to the domestic violence. It is essential to understand that
power difference between two genders that leads men use violence on women. The division of
labor within and beyond the home is a high contributing factor since women’s labor is not
recognized and taken as unpaid service. Power and decision making lies major in favor of one
gender have created the situation of women that do not give equal position and power to women.
The large populations of women who are victim of domestic are in fear. Among all theses
situation only a small percentage of women get the opportunity of getting out and fight for their
rights.
1. Gender equality approached by faith: Women and men both should be encouraged to
have full participation. Harmful practices leading to oppression and exploitation should be
challenged and eliminated from society (Jewkes, Flood & Lang, 2015).

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2. Engagement of men and boys: Australia should encourage a connection in promoting
equality and involvement of the genders. It is the responsibility of both the genders, therefore,
the engagement of men and boys should be encouraged.
3. Gender-based violence: Australia is aware of the issue that exists in the society that is the
reason, it should end all forms of gender-based violence and their basic right to protection from
psychological, physical and sexual harm.
4. Gender mainstreaming: gender mainstreaming is one of the contributing factors to the issue.
Therefore, the barriers of gender inequalities and injustices should be taken care. Gender
inequality principles are integrated into strategic planning, programme, and implementation.
These methods should target the traditional issues that would require elimination from society in
order to succeed as a gender equal society (Gracia & Merlo, 2016).
5. Collaboration and partnership: Australia should to actively collaborate with important
stakeholders in order to aware both men and women about the consequences of domestic
violence. This may involve UN agencies, NGO, government, civil societies, and other faith-
based organizations.
Conclusion:
As discussed above, domestic violence has remained one of the major social issues
resulting and leading to several other social issues. However, a prediction done in 1970s, have
become the reality of today. Domestic violence has taken an incredible hike and lead to other
social issues. A serious issue that have lead majority of the women population become victim of
domestic violence is of not only a growing concern women but for overall humanity. The root

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cause is the gender inequality that has been present in the society for centuries and can only be
eliminated through education, empowerment and encouragement. Therefore, it is important to
take up significant measures in order to eliminate the issue.

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References:
Boxall, H., Rosevear, L., & Payne, J. (2015). Domestic violence typologies: What value to
practice?. Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, (494), 1.
Brown, J., & James, K. (2014). Therapeutic responses to domestic violence in Australia: A
history of controversies. Australian and New Zealand Journal of family therapy, 35(2),
169-184.
Gracia, E., & Merlo, J. (2016). Intimate partner violence against women and the Nordic
paradox. Social Science & Medicine, 157, 27-30.
Jewkes, R., Flood, M., & Lang, J. (2015). From work with men and boys to changes of social
norms and reduction of inequities in gender relations: a conceptual shift in prevention of
violence against women and girls. The Lancet, 385(9977), 1580-1589.
Krook, M. L. (2017). Violence against women in politics. Journal of Democracy, 28(1), 74-88.
Lonne, B., & Gillespie, K. (2014). How do Australian print media representations of child abuse
and neglect inform the public and system reform?. Child abuse & neglect, 38(5), 837-
850.
Othman, S., Goddard, C., & Piterman, L. (2014). Victims’ barriers to discussing domestic
violence in clinical consultations: A qualitative enquiry. Journal of interpersonal
violence, 29(8), 1497-1513.

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Zannettino, L., & McLaren, H. (2014). Domestic violence and child protection: towards a
collaborative approach across the two service sectors. Child & Family Social
Work, 19(4), 421-431.