Family Domestic Violence in Culturally and linguistically diverse Women

Family Domestic Violence (FDV)

Violence or abuse occurring within family/domestic relationships

Main types of abuse

Physical violence, sexual violence, emotional/psychological abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, technology abuse, spiritual abuse, legal abuse, reproductive abuse, visa abuse

What does coercive control do to a woman?

It diminishes her agency and autonomy, making it harder for her to leave the relationship and potentially resulting in entrapment.

What forms of violence may particularly affect CaLD women?

Female genital mutilation/cutting
honour based violence and killings
forced and child marriage
dowry abuse
spiritual abuse
reproductive coercion

Dowry

Money, property, or gifts typically transferred by a woman’s family to her husband upon marriage. Itself not abuse. However coercion, violence, or harassment associated with giving or receiving dowry before, during, or after marriage. It can include claims that insufficient dowry was provided and demands for additional money or gifts.

Honour-based violence

Violence triggered by actual or perceived behaviour considered immoral or shameful to the family.

• falling in love with someone the family doesn’t approve of

• refusing a forced marriage

• Being LGBTIQ+

• Being perceived as “two westernised”

What physical health impacts can IPV have? (Intimate Partner violence)

Hypertension, chronic pelvic pain, chronic headaches, sleep disorders, poor appetite.

What sexual and reproductive health impacts can IPV have?

Increased HIV/STIs'

endometriosis

miscarriage

unwanted pregnancies

How much more likely are women experiencing IPV to report endometrosis, miscarriage, preterm birth?

E - 36%
M - 16%

P - 41%

What psychological impacts can IPV have?

PTSD, decreased self-esteem, depression, increased risk of suicdal thoughts and attempts

What percentage of females experiencing IPV were reported to suffer from PTSD?

40-60% also 3-4 times for likely to commit

What types of abuse may not be recognised as FDV in some CaLD communities?

Controlling behaviours, financial abuse and verbal abuse may not be recognised as family violence, while sexual violence may not be discussed or recognised either.

What is female genital mutilations/cutting? (FGM/C)

All procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for cultural or other non-medical reasons.

What are immediate complications of FGM/C?

Pain, infection, death, trauma, urinary retention

What are long-term physical complications of FGM/C?

Keloid scars, severe pain, painful periods, urinary problems, infertility

What are psychological consequences of FGM/C?

Psychological trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety and complex trauma.

How can FGM/C affect access to healthcare?

It can decrease access to preventative healthcare, including cervical cancer screening.

Is FGM/C associated with one particular religion?

No. The tradition transcends religion, socioeconomic status and geography.

Modern slavery

Situations where people are exploited and unable to leave because of coercion, threats or other forms of control

How many reports of modern slavery did the AFP receive in 2021–22?

More than 295 reports.

What is the estimated number of undetected victim-survivors for every reported modern slavery victim?

Approximately 4 undetected victim-survivors for every reported victim.

Force Marriage

A marriage where one or both people do not freely and fully consent. It can involve threats, coercion, deception, or inability to consent due to age or mental capacity.

Is arranged marriage the same as forced marriage?

No. In an arranged marriage, each person has the right to accept or reject the marriage. It becomes forced marriage when free consent is replaced by coercion.

When was forced marriage criminalised in Australia?

2013

What proportion of forced marriage reports to the AFP involved people under 18 in 2020–21?

51%

What percentage of forced marriage cases involved someone being taken overseas to marry in 2020–21?

70%

What cultural barriers can prevent CaLD women from seeking FDV support?

Cultural expectations, restricted autonomy, honour-related fears, religion being weaponsied

What migration-related barriers can prevent women from seeking help?

Fear of deportation, threats relating to visa status, lack of understanding of Australian systems/laws, dependence on others.

Why might children be a barrier to seeking help?

Women may be concerned about their children's welfare and safety.

Why might a woman not identify her experience as abuse?

Some forms of controlling, financial, verbal or sexual abuse may not be recognised as family violence within her understanding or community context.

What are the key principles when supporting CaLD women experiencing FDV?

Recognise the complexities of FDV, identify red flags, understand barriers to accessing help, know where to access support, and use trauma-informed care.

What should healthcare professionals consider when supporting a woman with FGM/C?

Her safety, whether seeking treatment could increase FDV risk, education about reproductive organs, potential mental health triggers, appropriate anaesthesia.

CaLD women % in Australia

WA - 18.6%
aged 25-44 41.9%

Experiencing FDV 1 in 3

Experiencing controlling behaviours 91%

Experienced physical/sexual violence 42%