CFC - DFV

What is Domestic & Family Violence (DFV)?

• Involves physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse.

• It's a pattern of coercive control or abuse in a domestic relationship.

• More than just physical harm; can be subtle but still damaging.

• Domestic and family violence happens when one person in a relationship hurts another or makes them feel unsafe, and is a repeated pattern of behaviour

How widespread is DFV in Australia and globally?
(stats)

• Australia:

  • 21% of adults have experienced partner violence.

  • 1 woman is killed each week by a current or ex-partner.

• Worldwide:

  • 1 in 3 women face physical or sexual violence.

Who does DFV affect, and what injustices does it cause?

Impact & Injustice

• Mainly affects women, but also:

  • Children

  • Indigenous Australians: Indigenous women are 33 times more likely to be hospitalized for family violence.

  • People with disabilities

  • LGBTQ+ individuals

• Causes:

  • Worsens gender inequality.

  • A top cause of illness for Australian women (18-44).

  • Leads to financial hardship and homelessness.

  • Exposes failures in our support and legal systems.

What is Australia's main government policy on DFV?

• National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

• A federal strategy with 4 key goals: prevention, intervention, response, and recovery.

• Shows a long-term commitment to addressing DFV.

Are there specific laws, and what are WA's efforts?

Laws & WA Initiatives

• Federal Laws:

  • Family Law Act 1975: Governs family matters, including protection from violence.

  • National Domestic Violence Order Scheme: Makes protection orders valid nationwide.

• Western Australia (WA):

  • Has its own strategy: "Path to Safety".

  • Specific state laws mirror federal efforts.

How do other countries address DFV compared to Australia?

International Comparisons

• Many countries also have national plans to combat DFV.

• DFV is criminalized in numerous nations.

• Example (UK):

  • Their Domestic Abuse Act criminalizes various forms of domestic abuse, including coercive control.

  • Similar focus on comprehensive legal frameworks.

What are the key national and state helplines for DFV?

Crisis Helplines

• 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732):

  • National 24/7 helpline.

  • Confidential counselling and referrals.

  • Advocacy: Pushes for policy changes like paid family violence leave.

• WA Women's Domestic Violence Helpline (1800 007 339):

  • WA state 24/7 crisis support.

  • Connects women to local refuges and services.

What local and legal support services are available in Perth/WA?

Local & Legal Support

• Ruah Community Services (Perth):

  • Offers holistic support: accommodation, case management, court assistance.

  • Advocacy: Works for systemic reform.

• Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS):

  • Available through Legal Aid WA.

  • Provides free legal advice and court support.

Beyond direct support, what organisations advocate for DFV victims?

• Anglicare WA: Provides advocacy and support services.

• Centre for Women's Safety and Wellbeing (CWSW):

  • Offers culturally appropriate support.

  • Advocacy: Works to influence government policy to improve services based on victim-survivor experiences.

• These groups highlight ongoing needs and systemic improvements.

What was our survey's goal, and who participated?

• Goal: To gauge awareness and attitudes towards Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).

• Participants: 40 classmates and teachers from our school.

• A small, specific group – important to remember for interpretation.

What were the main things our survey found about DFV awareness?
(stats)

• High Recognition:

  • 97.5% knew the term "domestic violence."

  • 95% believed DFV is a serious societal problem.

  • 97.5% believed DFV can affect anyone.

• Understanding Varied:

  • 65% understood different types of DFV (30% did not).

  • Only 55% felt confident helping someone experiencing DFV (30% unsure).

Are our survey results representative of everyone?

• No, not fully representative.

• This small, specific school group likely doesn't reflect the wider community.

• Awareness and attitudes can differ significantly across various demographics (age, location, background).

• It highlights where more community education might be needed.