Family violence, also known as domestic violence, is a pervasive issue in Australia. It is a complex issue that involves the physical, emotional, and psychological abuse of family members, particularly women and children. Family violence is a widespread problem that affects all members of society, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or social status. The Australian government and various non-governmental organisations have made significant efforts to address the issue, but there is still a long way to go to eradicate family violence from Australian society. A career in Family Dispute Resolution is a mediation qualification that address these issues for the Family Court of Australia.
Family violence in Australia is a serious and prevalent problem. According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in six women and one in 16 men have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15. Additionally, around one in four women and one in six men have experienced emotional abuse by a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15. These statistics are alarming and indicate that family violence is a widespread problem that affects many Australians.
Family violence has severe consequences for those who experience it. Victims of family violence often experience physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mental health problems. Children who witness family violence can suffer from long-term emotional and psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Family violence also has significant economic costs, including healthcare, legal, and social welfare costs.
The Australian government has taken several steps to address the issue of family violence. In 2015, the government established a National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, which aims to reduce family violence in Australia. The plan includes measures such as increased funding for services for victims, education and awareness campaigns, and improved data collection and research.
The government has also introduced several legislative measures to address family violence. In 2018, the government introduced a new offence of strangulation, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The government has also introduced new measures to protect victims of family violence, such as intervention orders, which prevent perpetrators from contacting or coming near their victims.
Non-governmental organisations also play a significant role in addressing family violence in Australia. Many organisations provide support services for victims of family violence, such as emergency accommodation, counsellng, and legal assistance. These organisations also work to raise awareness of family violence and advocate for policy changes to address the issue.
Despite these efforts, family violence remains a pervasive problem in Australia. More needs to be done to address the root causes of family violence and to support victims. Addressing family violence requires a long-term, multi-faceted approach that involves education, prevention, and support services for victims.
In conclusion, family violence is a serious and prevalent problem in Australia that affects many individuals and families. The government and non-governmental organisations have made significant efforts to address the issue, but there is still a long way to go. Addressing family violence requires a collaborative effort from all members of society, including government, non-governmental organisations, and individuals. Only by working together can we hope to eradicate family violence from Australian society.
To become a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, one must complete the CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution. The Australian Mediation Association specialises in this area. Contact for more information.