SPR30831 WLF SPA WhitePaper v12 - Flipbook - Page 16
Domestic violence
What does the evidence say about domestic violence?
Domestic and family violence (DFV) involves a variety of abusive and controlling behaviours that
can be physical or non-physical. Evidence shows that women who experience intimate partner
violence (IPV) are at higher risk for suicidal ideation and attempts, with research linking the
severity of IPV with suicidality 44.
Government-mandated social distancing, travel restrictions and closures of schools are vital
public health responses to supressing disease transmission. The impact of response measures
can have significant wellbeing and safety concerns for individuals trapped in their homes with a
violent perpetrator. Perpetrators commonly monitor and control their partner’s actions and
isolate victims from friends and family 45. There are emerging reports from DFV agencies that
perpetrators are using tactics such as ‘self-imposed restrictions’ to increase fear and control 46.
An interview with senior management for Wesley Mission’s Community Service
Centres reported that although domestic violence is an embedded component
of their work, preparation is underway for an expected increase in domestic
violence cases.
DFV agencies have stated that individuals experiencing hardship are misinformed about general
levels of restriction by their perpetrators47. The Women’s Safety NSW survey on the impacts of
COVID-19, report more than 40 per cent of survey respondents have witnessed an increase in
the number of people requesting support, and 44.9 per cent identified ‘escalating and worsening
violence’ as being a major issue impacting those in need 48.
Wesley Mission reported that although domestic violence is an embedded component of their
work, preparation is underway for an expected increase in domestic violence cases49.
Problem gambling, substance abuse, alcohol consumption and financial
hardship are key indicators for the prevalence of domestic violence.
These indicators increase the likelihood, frequency and severity of domestic
violence cases.
Similarly, when asked about evidence of trends of domestic violence amongst people in need,
a general decline in the number of people seeking and accessing face-to-face support services
was reported. This could be due to physical isolation measures, fearing disease transmission if
outdoors or being unaware that services are still operating. This could also be due to increased
monitoring by perpetrators, which reduces the visibility of DFV occurring within communities50.
Evidence from the interview showed that emergency relief support services have observed an
increased number of callers presenting with problem gambling and financial hardship. The next
wave of people needing support, are expected to present with an increase in domestic violence
cases.
Problem gambling, substance abuse, alcohol consumption and financial hardship are key
indicators for the prevalence of domestic violence. These indicators increase the likelihood,
frequency and severity of domestic violence cases51. The Women’s Safety NSW survey showed
that 36.2 per cent of respondents stated that violence and abuse stemmed from financial
pressures and stresses, due to the pandemic. Compounding risk factors such as financial
distress and lack of social support leads to an increased risk of DFV 52.
Reducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemic
June 2020
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