Insights into domestic, family and or sexual violence

One in 4 women in Australia has experienced at least one incident of violence by an intimate partner or family member since the age of 15 years old. (ABS, 2023).

One in 5 women in Australia has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15 (ABS, 2023).

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Personal safety, Australia, 2021. Canberra, ACT: Author. Retrieved from: Personal Safety, Australia, 2021-22 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately affected by domestic and family violence. We must recognise that colonisation and the ongoing impacts of colonisation continue to negatively impact the First Peoples of Australia and contribute to disproportionately high rates of domestic, family and sexual violence. (AIHW, 2025).

LGBTQIA+ people experience extremely high rates of domestic, family violence and sexual violence. (Our Watch, 2017). The high rates of domestic, family and sexual violence are not because most LGBTIQA+ relationships aren’t caring partnerships, but because many social detriments impact our LGBTIQA+ community because their gender identity or sexuality is weaponised.

Our Watch, GLHV. Summary report: Primary prevention of family violence against people from LGBTI communities: an analysis of existing research. Melbourne: Our Watch; 2017.

Australia is a vibrant mix of cultures and backgrounds, and it's incredible how each community contributes to our shared experience. But we can't ignore that domestic, family, and sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of where they're from. For people from diverse backgrounds, things can become even more complicated. For instance, being dependent on a visa might make someone feel stuck in a harmful situation. Plus, language barriers can make it hard for them to get help or even understand their rights.  Smaller community networks can sometimes create a sense of isolation when people need support the most. (AIHW, 2024).

(n.d.) Family, domestic and sexual violence, People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Children can be impacted by domestic, family and or sexual violence, experiencing actual abuse or seeing other people being abused. (AIHW, 2025). One in 8 people, aged 18 years and over, witnessed violence towards a parent by a partner before the age of 15 (ABS, 2023)

(n.d.). Family, domestic and sexual violence, Children and young people. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/population-groups/children-and-young-people

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Personal safety, Australia, 2021. Canberra, ACT: Author. Retrieved from: Personal Safety, Australia, 2021-22 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics

Most people who consume alcohol or are affected by drugs don't choose to use domestic family and sexual violence. Alcohol and drug use make victims more vulnerable to being abused.

Women living in regional, rural, and remote areas tend to face a higher risk of domestic and family violence compared to women in cities. One of the primary reasons for this is the unique challenges associated with their locations and the close-knit nature of small communities. Many women hesitate to seek help because they worry about being judged, facing shame, or dealing with gossip. (Campo & Tayton, 2015)

Campo, M., & Tayton, S. (2015). Domestic and Family Violence in Regional, Rural, and Remote Communities: An Overview of Key Issues. The Australia Institute of Family Studies.

In 2023–2024, Gurambilbarra / Townsville had the highest number of charges for breaching a domestic violence order  lodged in the Queensland Magistrates Court ( DFV statistics | Queensland Courts)

The Townsville Magistrates Court had 1,450 DVO applications for domestic violence orders to help protect victims from people using violence in 2023 – 2024. This makes the Townsville Magistrates Court the 5thbusiest Court for DVO applications in the state of Queensland. ( DFV statistics | Queensland Courts)

Queensland Courts, Queensland Courts domestic and family violence (DFV) statistics DFV statistics | Queensland Courts

The Ten to Men study found that men who had a good relationship with their father or a father figure as kids—especially if it was filled with affection—were 48% less likely to say they’ve ever been involved in intimate partner violence. It highlights the significance of those early connections. (Quinn & Rowland, 2022)

Quinn, B. & Rowland, B. (Eds.). (2022). Insights #2: Findings from Ten to Men – The Australian
Longitudinal Study on Male Health, 2013-21. Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

It’s estimated that about 85% of women in prison have experienced some form of violence in their lives. Even more staggering is that nearly 98% of the women in prison have a history of experiencing trauma or victimisation. (Meyer, 2021)

Meyer, S. (2021, July 20). Rethinking female incarceration: Road to prison paved with domestic abuse. Monash University - Lens. Retrieved June 16, 2021, from this article.

One in 14 men has experienced domestic violence since the age of 15 (ABS, 2023)

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Personal safety, Australia, 2021. Canberra, ACT: Author. Retrieved from: Personal Safety, Australia, 2021-22 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics

Domestic family and sexual violence do not discriminate because of social status or community connections.

Victims and people who use domestic, family or sexual violence can live anywhere, work in many different jobs, and come from many different backgrounds.

Domestic, family and sexual violence is often called gendered violence because women and girls are impacted the most as victims.

It's actually one of the hardest things someone experiencing abuse will ever do. When victims leave or step away from abusers, they face real prospects of homelessness, losing family and friends, leaving personal belongings behind, having no money, and the very real chance that they or people they care about will be seriously hurt in the process. Abusers rarely just let a victim walk away.  

Many people live with mental health conditions and don't use domestic, family or sexual violence.  Mental health conditions increase the vulnerability of victims.

 Further challenges for people with disability can include social and physical isolation, which makes it even harder for them to seek help. Finding a safe and welcoming space to share their experiences can be tricky, especially if accessibility is an issue. Sometimes, people with disabilities might not even realise that what they're going through isn’t okay, which can make reaching out for support even more complicated (Healey, 2013).

Healey, L. (2013). ‘Voices Against Violence Paper Two: Current Issues in Understanding and Responding to Violence against Women with Disabilities,’ Women with Disabilities Victoria, Office of the Public Advocate and Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria.