special collections

special collections - child protection and domestic violence
October 2010

Child protection and domestic violence

There is increasing discussion and concerns about the service response of child protection services to mothers experiencing domestic violence and the attention of domestic violence services to the needs of children. The information in this collection presents a broad cross section of resources around the co-occurrence and intersection of child protection and domestic violence as well as the impact of family law on children and women escaping violence. The collection includes policies, frameworks and guidelines from states and territories as well as programs that represent good practice in child protection.

special collections - same sex
June 2010

Same sex domestic and family violence

Studies indicate that domestic and family violence occur at relatively the same rate in same sex relationships as in heterosexual relationships, yet there is limited research conducted around domestic abuse in these relationships, its dynamics, impacts for victims and appropriate responses.  Research and evaluation concerning same sex domestic and family violence are critical to strengthening our understanding and response to this part of our community.  This Collection from the Clearinghouse database, then, provides a valuable gathering of data and research about domestic and family violence affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of our community.

 

special collections - family law
March 2012

Domestic violence and family law

Separation has been recognised for some time as a risk factor in domestic violence. Indeed, several high profile tragedies involving child homicide victims have brought the issue to the attention of the community at large. Research on post-separation violence and the impact of family law decision making, particularly in relation to parenting arrangements provides an important information backdrop to violence prevention strategies and responses to children’s need for safety and wellbeing. Since the 2006 reforms to the Family Law Act, many valuable additions to the evidence base in relation to post-separation violence have been forthcoming and are included here. 

 

special collections - disability
February 2012

Domestic and family violence and disability

Research on factors concerning domestic and family violence against people with disabilities, and evidence and evaluation of strategies aimed to address such violence, are critical to strengthening our understanding and response to disabled members of our communities.  While comprehensive information about domestic and family violence against people with disabilities is limited, available research suggests that women with disabilities experience significantly higher levels of violence than other women, while facing greater challenges to accessing support and assistance.  The Clearinghouse database contains a wide array of research and resources on issues related to people with disabilities, including information about prevalence and service practice, as well as resources for clients and workers. 

 

special collections - Indigenous people
November 2010

Indigenous peoples' experiences of and responses to domestic and family violence

In Australia, the rate and severity of domestic and family violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is recognised critical challenge by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.  Such violence plays a significant role in the morbidity and mortality of Indigenous people. Women bear the brunt of the violence, with Indigenous women 35 times more likely to suffer family violence and sustain serious injuring requiring hospitalisation, and 10 times more likely to die due to family violence, than non-Indigenous women.

The causes of domestic and family violence in Indigenous communities are complex.  The violence is situated in a context of colonisation and dispossession, marginalisation, entrenched poverty and racism.  The separation of Indigenous children from their families over generations and the translocation of groups of Indigenous people from their traditional lands is widely acknowledged as leading to a breakdown of community kinship systems, family relationships and Aboriginal law.  In some communities, high levels of alcohol and drug use contribute to the severity of violence experienced.  In rural and remote regions, the limited access to police and other services also poses challenges to help seeking and response.

In rising to meet these challenges, many Indigenous communities have developed their own responses to family violence, which include educational initiatives and men’s programs, as well as moves to incorporate principles of customary law into the justice system. Community-led approaches are critical to promoting safety in Indigenous families and communities.

 

special collections - refugees
June 2011

Refugees and domestic and family violence

Refugee women have often been subjected to extreme levels of sexual and gender-based violence in their home countries and during often extended periods spent in international refugee camps.  Research shows that while refugee and immigrant women are not necessarily at an increased risk of domestic violence compared with the general population, they often face a range of unique and complex circumstances that can compound the impacts of domestic violence and limit their ability to seek help.  Specific and unique challenges experienced by refugee women include those relating to trauma, legal status, structural barriers to services such as housing and social security, language barriers, racism, social disadvantage and culture, acculturation and resettlement.  These unique challenges also have significant implications for policy and practice with refugee women escaping violence.

 

special collections - health
April 2011

Domestic and family violence and health issues

Research demonstrates short and long term health related impacts of domestic and family violence, with studies indicating that such violence is a key determinant of morbidity and mortality for women. Health care settings are a critical place to provide assistance to people affected domestic and family violence.  Victims may seek help for a wide range of health issues related to the abuse, including for physical injuries, chronic health problems, disability, mental health issues or general health advice.  They may seek help from diverse health practitioners, who are in a unique position to provide immediate assistance for the health issues, as well as prevention and support through screening, information provision, referral and intervention.