What is domestic violence? ‘The modern history of domestic violence is not the story of changing responses to a constant problem, but, in large part, of redefinition of the problem itself’ Linda Gordon (1988)

Gendered analysis of domestic violence Although men may be victims of domestic violence, statistics from support services, hospitals, courts, police and the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate women are more likely to be victims and men are more likely to be perpetrators. Groups at a higher risk include Aboriginal women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and women with disabilities.

Domestic Violence – historical context First began to appear on the public policy agenda as a result of activism from second-wave feminists in the 1960s and 1970s. The slogan ‘The personal is political’ began to resonate

Domestic Violence – historical context 1974: First women’s refuge ‘Elsie’ opened in Sydney; received Commonwealth funding soon after. 1980s: Hawke/Keating government saw first national campaign ‘Break the Silence’ and first National Strategy on Violence Against Women. Gendered analysis & structural policy solutions. 1990s: Howard government re-defined domestic violence in de-gendered terms & focussed on an individual/family harmony policy response.

Domestic Violence – historical context 2007: Rudd/Gillard government established the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women; their blueprint Time for Action presented to Council of Australian Governments and new federal policy the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children released 2011. Gender analysis re-introduced.

What is domestic violence? ‘Domestic violence refers to acts of violence that occur between people who have, or have had, an intimate relationship. While there is no single definition, the central element of domestic violence is an ongoing pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling a partner through fear. In most cases, the violent behaviour is part of a range of tactics to exercise power and control over women and their children , and can be both criminal and non-criminal’ The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children (2011)

What is domestic violence? In Queensland, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 provides the legal framework for police and courts to respond to domestic violence. The Act covers those in relevant relationships: intimate personal; family and informal carer.

The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Recognises Australia as being party to Universal Declaration on Human Rights & UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women Domestic violence an expression of power imbalance May have serious impacts including physical and psychological harm Most often perpetrated by men against women Leading cause of homelessness May also be a criminal offence

The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 Physically or sexually abusive behaviour Emotionally or psychologically abusive behaviour Economically abusive behaviour Threatening or coercive behaviour Stalking & harassment Other behaviours which exert power and control over the victim Also covers children as direct victims, or having been exposed to domestic violence

Prevalence of domestic violence 1 in 6 women have experienced physical or sexual abuse 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual abuse 1 in 4 women have experienced emotional abuse From a former partner; 73% experienced violence more than once & more than half had children in their care at the time From a current partner; 39% never sought support & 80% never reported to police 2013-14 approx. 180 reports of DV to police every day in Qld

Domestic Homicide 2006-2013 in Qld: 102 deaths – 81 involved a female victim Research indicated domestic homicide to be the most preventable form of homicide – there are always warning signs and points of intervention.

Red Rose Rallies Held across Australia over the last decade following the death of Evelina Gavrilovic Activists lobbied governments for Domestic Homicide Death Review Panels

Red Rose Rallies