Children’s experience of domestic violence is commonly framed in the context of physical violence; however, new research highlights how parental coercive control plays a critical role in shaping long-term wellbeing.
Domestic violence is increasing in Australia. A new report shows one in three men have ever made a partner feel frightened or anxious. One in 11 have used physical violence when angry. And one in 50 have used sexual violence against their partner.
This week, the MJA published new evidence of the national prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV). The survey of a representative sample of 8500 Australians adds new knowledge about the prevalence and nature of physical, psychological and sexual violence between intimate partners aged 16 years and over in Australia. The study confirms that substantial proportions of Australians have experienced physical violence (29.1%), sexual violence (11.7%), and psychological violence (41.2%) by an intimate partner. These findings are relevant to a range of policy makers and sector stakeholders, and are significant for medical practitioners and regulatory bodies.
New data from a ten-year Australian population study, and specific data screening study published in the MJA, show a significant need to screen for reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) in Australia.
General practitioners are often the first professionals to whom family violence is disclosed. Family violence educators are encouraging GPs to make use of family violence training programs to help support both themselves and their patients.
No single strategy will stop domestic violence. We must urgently invest in a sustainable health system response with an understanding of different patterns of abuse and coercive control.
