Family violence

Definition

Family violence involves all types of violence within intimate or family relationships. It includes physical and sexual abuse, threats and intimidation, psychological, emotional and social abuse and financial deprivation; it can occur across the life span.

Physical violence is defined as intentionally inflicted harm using bodily force or a weapon. It encompasses sexual violence—such as non-consensual or coercive sexual activity using physical force—sexual harassment, stalking, forced or deceptive sexual exploitation, threats or intimidation and non-personal violence, such as intentional property damage. Psychological abuse, which frequently precedes physical abuse, may take the form of threats, verbal harassment, ridicule or behaviours designed to intimidate, humiliate, control and isolate the victim.

Family violence most often occurs within current or former intimate relationships and is described as a gendered phenomenon, as it is largely perpetrated by men against women. However, although women account for the larger proportion of victims, males can also be affected, and this form of violence may also occur in same-sex relationships. Family violence may involve any family member related by blood or law. Children may be directly victimized or suffer harmful consequences when they see, hear, witness or are otherwise exposed to the effects of family violence.

The subjective experience and definition of family violence are strongly influenced by cultural beliefs and previous life experiences; the individual’s perceptions of his or her experience may vary greatly depending on these differences.

Family violence is also referred to as domestic violence or intimate partner violence . The more inclusive term of family violence accounts for violence within a range of intimate and family relationships.

Incidence

The prevalence of family violence varies according to definition (whether sexual and emotional abuse are included), timing of the abuse (current, during adult life or cumulative lifetime prevalence) and whether the violence is actual or threatened. In Australia, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 16 men from 15 years of age onwards have been reported to have been victims of physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabiting partner.

Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) reports that one in four Australian women had experienced emotional abuse by an intimate partner since the age of 15 years. In contrast, one in seven Australian men had experienced emotional abuse by an intimate partner since the age of 15 years. It is reported that 61% of women who had experienced violence from an ex partner had children in their care when the violence occurred. Women are at greater risk of experiencing family violence during pregnancy and the early years of motherhood. Women will often experience family violence for the first time during pregnancy or experience an increase in the type or intensity of violence.

Vulnerable groups

Certain groups within the population may be more vulnerable to the effects of family violence. Among these are indigenous communities, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, people with disabilities and the elderly. They may experience distinct forms of abuse specific to their particular group or community.