Violence against women is a widespread problem, both in Australia and overseas. For example,  fifty-seven per cent of women in Australia involved in the International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS) reported experiencing at least one incident of physical or sexual violence over their lifetime (Australian Institute of Criminology 2004).

Violence affects women across social, economic and cultural groups. It occurs in public and private places, sometimes perpetrated by strangers but most often by known men (husbands, partners, relatives, friends etc). When there is a close relationship between the victim and perpetrator, as in domestic violence, there is a high risk of continued violence being experienced by those women. Domestic violence happens in lesbian relationships too.

Violence can have a huge impact on a woman’s life. It can affect her mental, emotional and physical health and may even result in her death. It can prevent or restrict a woman’s participation in every day activities, in family life, cultural activities or in the work force. Fear of violence can restrict a woman’s movement and behaviour. Domestic violence can isolate a woman from her friends and family or force her into homelessness. The violence may also have financial implications.

Violence against women costs the community socially and economically. A society that is unsafe for women is unsafe for everyone.


Forms of violence
Violence against women can take many forms including: