Introduction
If the idea of home implies physical and psychological safety and security as well as shelter, then a child, adult or older person affected by domestic violence experiences a hidden homelessness. (Burke T, 1998) Women are at a disproportionately high risk of physical, sexual and psychological violence from an intimate person such as a partner or ex-partner. (Kessler, 1995) Many children, too, are likely to experience violence from someone they know or be witnesses to violence within their families.
Domestic violence in Australia
The number of unwanted or unplanned pregnancies and terminations is higher among women experiencing domestic violence. (Evins, 1996) The Women's Safety Australia survey found that, of all the women who reported violence occurring at some time in their lives, 42% were pregnant at the time. Twenty per cent reported that violence occurred for the first time during the pregnancy, although the strongest predictor of violence occurring during pregnancy is a prior history of abuse. Furthermore, women abused during pregnancy are at even greater risk of violence in the postpartum period. (Gielen, 1994)
Domestic violence in Indigenous families and communities in Australia is presently at a level for serious concern. (Ferrante, 1996) In 1990, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission briefing document advised the Australian Aboriginal Affairs Council "the increasing injuries and fatalities as a result of interpersonal violence have risen to levels which not only impair life but also threaten the continued existence of Australian Indigenous peoples.” (1999)
The extent of domestic violence experienced in Australia by people of non-English-speaking background has not been extensively studied. However, research suggests that overseas-born males are more likely to commit partner homicide than would be expected from their numbers in the general community. (Easteal, 1993) This may reflect a higher rate of domestic violence among overseas-born women. Alternatively.........
