Literature by topic
Domestic violence and child abuse
Alexander, Renata.
Family law
changes: privatising family violence.
DVIRC Quarterly (Domestic
Violence and Incest Resource Centre) no.2 Winter 2006: 6-10
Concerns about the impact of the Federal Government's amendments to the Family Law Act on victims of violence are explored. Research on family law has found that the current system has not worked well to protect those affected by family violence or child abuse. This article argues that the reforms will only make the situation worse. It discusses conflicting principles, research on existing problems in family law, problems with equal shared parental responsibility, 'reasonable' grounds to show abuse, a narrow definition of child abuse, punitive measures for false allegations, and Family Relationship Centres.
Available from: Domestic Violence Resource CentreVictoria http://www.dvrcv.org.au
Atkinson, Judy.
Violence against
Aboriginal women: reconstitution of community law: the way forward.
Indigenous Law Bulletin v.6 no.27 May 2007: 13-17, and Online
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/AboriginalLB/1990/40.html
This paper highlights how the implementation of the Australian criminal justice system and the fracturing of Aboriginal customary law has impacted upon Aboriginal women and girls. The appalling statistics of rape, child sexual abuse, violence, and homicide, and stories of legal discrimination and deaths in custody, underlie the need for legal and social reforms that incorporate Aboriginal social control mechanisms and women's voices rather than relying on the unsuccessful Western practices of prisons, white male policemen, and inappropriate laws.
Available from: Indigenous Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales http://www.ilc.unsw.edu.au/
Australia. Attorney-General's Department.
The family law violence strategy.
Barton, ACT:
Attorney-General's Department, 2006, 12p, Online (PDF 432 KB)
http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Publications_FamilyLawViolenceStrategy-February2006
This strategy forms part of the federal government's family law reform agenda. It focuses on family violence and child abuse in the context of the family law system and on identifying ways to improve the functioning of the system for these cases. One of the objectives outlines research to be conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies and issues to be considered by the Family Law Council that should provide a basis for policy making. Other objectives discuss working collaboratively with the States and Territories, the courts and other relevant stakeholders.
Available from: Attorney-General's Department http://www.ag.gov.au/
Bailey, Alice.
Separating safety from
situational violence: response to 'Allegations of family violence and
child abuse in family law children's proceedings: a pre-reform
exploratory study'.
Family Matters no.77 2007: 26-27
The research report 'Allegations of family violence and child abuse in child-related disputes in family law proceedings', published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 2007, provides evidence challenging a common myth that women frequently claim false allegations of family violence in child custody cases. Unfortunately, unless these allegations are accompanied by strong evidence, they will have little impact on post-separation child contact. This article discusses these findings, and the wider debate on whether courts should discriminate between different forms or severity of domestic abuse. The author argues that child and carer safety must be of paramount concern, requiring separate court pathways for cases involving domestic violence, and improved resources for assessment and support.
Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/
Basham, Sandra.
Building generations:
a strengths-based, solution-focused, parenting program for female adult
survivors of childhood family sexual violence: manual.
Perth, WA:
Incest Survivors' Association, 2007, 217p
Survivors of childhood intrafamilial sexual abuse or domestic violence often face problems when they become parents - overprotective or neglectful parenting skills, fears of not being a good parent, or risks of a repeating cycle of family violence. The 'Building Generations' parenting program provides education and support for groups of women, and covers parenting styles, healthy versus unhealthy parenting, consistency, handling emotions, child development and behaviour, safety issues for children, dealing with anger and violence, and self care. This manual outlines group sessions, and includes handouts, background information and literature review, and tips for group facilitation and closure.
Available from: Incest Survivors' Association, PO Box 8311, Perth Business Centre, Perth WA 6849
Bedford, Kenny; Moloney, Michele.
Through young black eyes: a handbook to protect Indigenous
children from the impact of family violence and child abuse: 2005
update.
North Fitzroy, Vic: Secretariat National Aboriginal and
Islander Child Care, 2nd ed., 2005, 142p, figures, tables, illus., and
Online (PDF 4.8 MB)
http://srs.snaicc.asn.au/projects/default_resources.cfm?loadref=61
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are over represented in child protection cases and are much more likely to be removed from their families than other Australian children. The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care has produced this handbook to assist families and communities to prevent family violence, child abuse and neglect, and to respond effectively where violence, abuse and neglect may have occurred. The underlying systemic causes of child abuse and neglect need to be dealt with, as opposed to simply removing children where they are at risk or have been the victims of abuse or neglect. This publication is divided into the following sections: family violence; child abuse and neglect; child sexual assault; reporting child protection matters; and a directory of services and resource information.
Available from: Secretariat National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), 252-260 St Georges Rd., North Fitzroy Vic 3068
Bikerdike, Andrew.
Implications for
family dispute resolution practice: response to the 'Allegations of
family violence and child abuse in family law children's proceedings'
report.
Family Matters no.77 2007: 20-25
This article discusses allegations of family violence in cases presenting to family dispute resolution (FDR) services, and the procedural challenges these present. Just like the high prevalence of allegations in court cases - as examined by the research report 'Allegations of family violence and child abuse in child-related disputes in family law proceedings' - FDR services face increasing numbers of violence-affected clients, many of whom will enter the court system. The article discusses service provision; quality assurance; assessing allegations; the use of FDR prior to court; adversarial courts versus the FDR process - 'allegation' versus 'disclosure'; client outcomes; and practitioner neutrality versus advocacy.
Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/
Braaf, Rochelle; Sneddon, Clare.
Family Law Act reform: the potential for screening and risk
assessment for family violence.
Kensington, NSW: Australian
Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, University of New South
Wales, 2007, 36p (Issues paper no.12), and Online (PDF 533 KB)
http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/PDF%20files/Issuespaper_12.
pdf
On 1 July 2006 the Australian Family Law Act 1975 underwent major reforms with the introduction of the Family Law Amendment (Shared Parental Responsibility) Act 2006. The implications for adult and child victims of family violence include the introduction of family violence screening and risk assessment processes, designed to identify victims, to consider future risk of harm (eg for re-assault or homicide) and to manage and respond to that risk. This paper explores how screening and risk assessment for family violence could be applied to family law proceedings to provide support, assistance and protection for victims, as well as appropriate sanctions and treatment for perpetrators. It reviews literature and research on screening and risk assessment where these practices have been used in health and criminal justice settings to identify and address family violence. It considers the strengths and limitations of the tools in those contexts, their capacity to form the basis of a risk management approach and examples of good practice.
Available from: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au
Bradford, Michelle.
Indigenous family
violence and child abuse: is anyone listening?
Queensland Centre
for Domestic and Family Violence Research CDFVR Newsletter v.5 no.1 Sept
2006: 9-11, and Online (whole issue PDF 485K)
http://www.noviolence.com.au/public/newsletters/news17.pdf
The release in 2006 of a report on chronic family violence and sexual abuse of children in some Indigenous communities means governments and the public can no longer plead ignorance of the nature and extent of the issue. This article outlines the efforts of governments over the last few years to investigate and address this problem. It summarises an action strategy developed in 2006 to respond to Indigenous family violence and child abuse.
Available from: Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research http://www.noviolence.com.au/
Brown, Thea.
Child abuse and domestic
violence in the context of parental separation and divorce: new models of
intervention.
In: Humphreys, C. and Stanley, N. eds. Domestic
violence and child protection: directions for good practice. London,
England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006, p155-168
New models for interagency intervention with children and families experiencing both domestic violence and parental separation have emerged in recent years. This chapter discusses obstacles to understanding the relationship between child abuse, domestic violence and parental separation and divorce; allegations, abuse and abusers; responding to abuse allegations; and principles underpinning future programs. The chapter describes the Magellan project and the Columbus program.
Calma, Tom.
Addressing family
violence and child sexual assault in Indigenous communities: a human
rights perspective.
Kensington, NSW: Crime and Justice Research
Network, University of New South Wales, 2006, 7p, Online
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/speeches/social_justice/20061205_family_violence.html
What are the key issues to tackle if progress is to be made in addressing family violence and sexual abuse in Indigenous communities? Selected recommendations from a 2006 report by the Secretary General of the United Nations on violence against children are outlined as a useful framework for child protection activities in New South Wales. The paper then discusses the Australian context and the response to the final report of the Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce. It concludes by outlining ten challenges for addressing family violence and sexual abuse in Indigenous communities.
Available from: Crime and Justice Research Network, University of New South Wales http://www.cjrn.unsw.edu.au/
Cooley, Belinda; Frazer, Craig.
Children and domestic violence: a system of safety in clinical
practice.
Australian Social Work v.59 no.4 Dec 2006:
462-473
This paper provides a framework for working with children and families where there are domestic violence and child protection concerns. A model of practice developed by the St George Domestic Violence Counselling Service and the St George Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in the South East Sydney and Illawarra Health Service is outlined. The paper includes a discussion on a recently developed service agreement between the two services and a case study focusing on a system of safety when working with children. It focuses on the effects of domestic violence on women and children by male perpetrators. The paper does not ignore that men may be victims of domestic violence; however, the authors recognise the gendered nature of domestic violence and the significant number of women and children who experience and live with domestic violence. (Journal abstract, edited)
Available from: Australian Association of Social Workers http://www.aasw.asn.au Subscription: Taylor and Francis
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre (Melbourne,
Vic).
Developing an integrated response to family
violence in Victoria: issues and directions.
Melbourne, Vic:
Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, 2004, 47p, and Online (PDF 1.69 MB)
http://www.dvirc.org.au/UpdateHub/Integrated%20Respose%20Issues%20PaperNoAppendices.pdf
This paper is designed to inform the work currently being undertaken in Victoria in the development of an integrated response to domestic violence. Research and policy are reviewed and strategies for networking across community services and the justice system are examined, with an aim to assist policy makers and providers to work together to improve the safety of women and children.
Available from: Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, 292 Wellington Street, Collingwood Vic 3066. Internet http://www.dvrcv.org.au
Elizabeth, Vivienne.
Children in the
frontline of family violence prevention: a site of unease?
In:
Families Matter: 9th Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference,
Melbourne, February 2005 - proceedings. Melbourne, Vic: Australian
Institute of Family Studies, 2005, 10p, illus., Online only
http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/afrc9/elizabeth.html
That New Zealand has a family violence problem must surely be beyond doubt. Numerous studies during the 1990s and 2000s testify to its all too frequent occurrence in our homes. Alarmingly, much of this violence is either witnessed by, or directed at, New Zealand's children. Taking a stand against this violence, a wide range of statutory and non-statutory agencies in Waitakere City (Auckland) have formed a collaborative partnership called Great Start Waitakere: Te Korowai Manaaki. This paper considers one of the projects to have emerged out of this collaborative partnership: a billboard campaign that coincided with a more detailed exploration of the issues in the local newspaper. Charting the story of the development of the billboards and associated newspaper coverage, this paper examines how the problem of violence for children was framed within the campaign. It considers whether this framing indicates the resolution, or continuation, of a well-known clash between child welfare advocates and domestic violence workers. (Author abstract)
Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies, Level 20, 485 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000. http://www.aifs.gov.au/
Family Court of Australia.
Implications of the Australian Institute of Family Studies
'Allegations of family violence and child abuse in family law children's
proceedings' report: response.
Family Matters no.77 2007:
16-17
In this article, the Family Court of Australia commends the research report, 'Allegations of family violence and child abuse in child-related disputes in family law proceedings', published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 2007. The article emphasises the value of reliable evidence and guidelines in judicial decision making, and highlights Family Court initiatives in improving practices and outcomes, such as the Less Adversarial Trial, the Child Responsive Model, and staff training.
Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/
Fanslow, Janet.
Beyond zero
tolerance: key issues and future directions for family violence work in
New Zealand.
Wellington, NZ: Families Commission, 2005, 109p,
figures, tables (Research report no.3/05), and Online (PDF 1.3 MB)
http://www.nzfamilies.org.nz/download/zero-tolerance.pdf
This report provides an overview of New Zealand's responses to family violence and current trends in government and community initiatives. It discusses definitions of family violence, child abuse, elder abuse and intimate partner violence; incidence and prevalence of these types of violence; consequences of these types of violence; programs and service approaches to child abuse; deaths and hospitalisations from partner violence and elder abuse; risk factors for child abuse, elder abuse and partner violence; recognising diversity in perpetration of violence and differences in coping trajectories for 'targets of violence'; intervention and prevention efforts for partner violence, child abuse and elder abuse; health care interventions; school and employer based programs; gender; mass media campaigns; advocacy; legal responses to partner violence; arrest policies and alternative sanctions; interventions for batterers; coordinated community responses; co occurrence of child abuse and partner abuse; economic costs; a framework for violence prevention; and policy and research recommendations.
Available from: Families Commission, PO Box 2839, Wellington NZ. Internet http://www.nzfamilies.org.nz/
Federal Magistrates Court.
Response
to the Australian Institute of Family Studies 'Allegations of family
violence and child abuse in family law children's proceedings' report.
Family Matters no.77 2007: 18-19
In this article, the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia discusses the practice implications of the research report, 'Allegations of family violence and child abuse in child-related disputes in family law proceedings', published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 2007. The article notes the prevalence of domestic violence and child abuse allegations in court cases, the legal challenges they present when there is little corroborating evidence, and the impact that alleged domestic violence can have on all parties involved. The use of sensitive and flexible case management and court processes can assist with decision making and improve the court experience for families.
Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/
Fergusson, David M; Boden, Joseph M; Horwood, L
John.
Examining the intergenerational
transmission of violence in a New Zealand birth cohort.
Child Abuse
& Neglect v.30 no.2 Feb 2006: 89-108, tables
This study used data from the longitudinal Christchurch Health and Development Study to investigate whether children who witnessed interparental violence went on to be involved in interpartner violent crime. The covariate factors included in the analysis were: measures of family socio economic background; measures of family functioning; measures of child abuse; and measures of individual characteristics.
Available from: Elsevier
Guggisberg, Marika.
When children and
their mothers are victims of family violence: how can we break the
dynamics of this overlap?
In: Working Together for Families: CROCCS
4th International Conference, Mackay, Queensland, 4-6 August 2006:
papers. Mackay, Qld: Centre for Research on Community and Children's
Services, 2006, 11p, Online (PDF 56 KB)
http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/56368/20070824-0001/www.croccs.org.au/downloads/2006_conf_papers/MARIKA_1.pdf
Evidence suggests that intimate partner violence and child abuse are likely to co-occur in families. Abused mothers may be reluctant to report child abuse, a fact that presents complex challenges. This paper discusses the need to focus with understanding on abused mothers in order to help their abused children. It argues that professionals need to acknowledge abused mothers' situations and work towards empowerment by building partnerships with mothers and their abused children. It further suggests that an approach that emphasises empowerment may not only challenge preconceived notions and judgments about abused mothers, but may also become a catalyst for family transformation and break the dynamics of this overlap. (Author abstract, edited)
Hann, Sheryl.
Power and control in
family violence.
Social Work Now no.37 Sept 2007: 17-25, figures,
Online
http://www.cyf.govt.nz/SocialWorkNow_4616.htm
This article seeks to assist conversations and learning about one aspect of family violence, by outlining the power and control analysis of partner abuse that is used by the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges in New Zealand. The 'power and control wheel' is the main practice tool used, and it is described. Both analysis and the wheel have been adapted by those considering the intersections of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and disability in the lives of women, and the overlap of partner and child abuse.
Available from: Child Youth and Family, Ministry of Social Development, NZ http://www.cyf.govt.nz/
Heenan, Melanie.
International
Violence Against Women Survey: findings from the Australian component.
Aware: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault Newsletter
no.6 Apr 2005: 2-3, and Online
http://www.aifs.gov.au/acssa/pubs/newsletter/n6.html
Findings from the Australian component of the International Violence Against Women Survey were recently published by the Australian Institute of Criminology (Mouzos and Makkai 2004, http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/rpp/56/index.html). The report provides important and up-to-date estimates on prevalence rates for various types of sexual and non-sexual violence against large proportions of women residing in Australia. This article summarises some of the key findings of the report.
Available from: Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, Australian Institute of Family Studies, Level 20, 485 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000. http://www.aifs.gov.au/
Humphreys, Cathy.
Domestic violence
and child protection: challenging directions for practice.
Kensington, NSW: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse,
University of New South Wales, 2007, 24p (Issues paper no.13), and Online (PDF 293 KB)
http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/PDF%20files/IssuesPaper_13.pdf
This paper discusses appropriateness and capacity of the statutory child protection system to deal with cases of children affected by domestic violence. The author argues that while it is laudable to recognise the potential harm for children to witness domestic violence, mandatory referral to the child protection system is a simplistic, under resourced, and inappropriate response. The author discusses the prevalence of domestic violence, the incompatible approaches of child protection and domestic violence services, issues with family law, the impact of witnessing domestic violence compared to child abuse, risk assessment, funding, service provision, and alternative and collaborative services.
Available from: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au
Hunter, Ricky.
Point last seen: a
road to recovery after childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Noosa Heads, Qld: Debut Publishing, 2006, 264p
The victim of abduction and sexual abuse as a child and of domestic violence as a wife, the author recounts her experiences, the coping strategies she developed, and the path she followed to recovery.
Imbesi, Renee.
Figuring violence:
young people living with family violence.
DVIRC Quarterly (Domestic
Violence and Incest Resource Centre) no.4 Summer 2005 - 2006:
30-33
This article is a review of research on young people's experiences of family violence. It examines how many young people live with family violence, how often child abuse and domestic violence overlap and the effects that living with violence has on young people. Also discussed are: homelessness as a result of violence; young people as witnesses of domestic violence; problems with the intergenerational cycle of violence theory; the influence of stereotypes; what young people think about family violence services; and what can be done to better support young people.
Available from: Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria http://www.dvrcv.org.au
Irwin, Jude; Waugh, Fran.
Domestic
violence: a priority in child protection in New South Wales,
Australia?
Child Abuse Review v.16 no.5 Sept - Oct 2007:
311-322
Though domestic violence is increasingly considered to be a type of child abuse, child welfare practices may not have kept pace. An examination of case data from the state child protection authority in New South Wales over an 18 month period found that domestic violence referrals were treated less seriously than other referrals, with fewer resulting in follow ups, despite high rates of allegation confirmation. This article discusses child protection processes in New South Wales, interviews with child protection workers on their knowledge of domestic violence, and the implications for policy and practice.
Available from: British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Internet http://www.baspcan.org.uk ; Subscription: Wiley Interscience
KPMG Consulting.
Common risk
assessment and risk management framework for family violence in
Victoria.
Melbourne, Vic: KPMG for the Department for Victorian
Communities, 2007, 88p, Online (MS WORD 2.1MB)
http://www.women.vic.gov.au/web12/rwpgslib.nsf/GraphicFiles/Theframework/$file/Theframework.doc
Most family violence is perpetrated by males against their female partners. Children may also be direct victims of violence or may be affected through exposure to family violence. This framework has therefore been designed to apply, across Victorian Government funded family violence services including police and courts and related services, specifically to women and children who are victims of family violence. It is a part of the Victorian Government's four year social policy action plan, A Fairer Victoria, and aims to improve responses to family violence incidents. The Framework provides for: the assessment of safety and risk in each family that comes into contact with family violence services; consistent risk assessment processes; a standardised approach to risk assessment and risk management across service providers, that is consistent with the whole of government reform objectives and initiatives already in place; and a risk assessment process that incorporates the Victoria Police approach to risk assessment and risk management of family violence.
Available from: Office of Women's Policy http://www.women.vic.gov.au/
Moloney, Lawrie; Smyth, Bruce; Weston, Ruth; Richardson,
Nicholas; Qu, Lixia; Gray, Matthew.
Allegations
of family violence and child abuse in family law children's proceedings:
a pre-reform exploratory study.
Melbourne, Vic: Australian
Institute of Family Studies, 2007, 173p, tables, figures (Research report
no.15), and Online
http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/pubs/resreport15/main.html
A study commissioned by the Federal Attorney General's Department to inform the Australian Government's Family Law Violence Strategy examined: the prevalence and nature of allegations of family violence and child abuse in family law children's proceedings filed in 2003 in selected registries; the extent to which parties provided evidence in support of their allegations and to which allegations were denied, admitted or left unanswered by the other party; and the extent to which court outcomes of post separation parenting disputes appeared to be related to the presence or absence of allegations. The study was based on a content analysis of two random samples of court files from the Melbourne, Dandenong and Adelaide registries of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Magistrates Court. A total of 300 files were analysed: 150 from the Family Court of Australia and 150 from the Federal Magistrates Court. (Author abstract, edited)
Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/
Moloney, Lawrie; Smyth, Bruce; Weston, Ruth; Richardson,
Nicholas; Qu, Lixia; Gray, Matthew.
Allegations
of family violence and child abuse in family law children's proceedings:
key findings of Australian Institute of Family Studies research report
no.15.
Family Matters no.77 2007: 8-15, tables
In this article, the authors' discuss the key findings of their 2007 report, 'Allegations of family violence and child abuse in child-related disputes in family law proceedings', published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies. This report was commissioned by the Attorney General's Department to examine the prevalence and nature of allegations of family violence and child abuse in family law children's proceedings; the extent to which alleging parties provided evidence in support of their allegations, and to which allegations were denied, admitted or left unanswered by the other party; and the extent to which court outcomes of post-separation parenting disputes appeared to be related to the presence or absence of allegations. The study investigated the records of 300 Family Court and Magistrate Court files in Victoria and South Australia from 2003. This article outlines the legal background and research methodology, and discusses the findings.
Available from: Australian Institute of Family Studies http://www.aifs.gov.au/
Moloney, Michele; Bedford, Kenny; Pocock,
Julian.
Through young black eyes: a guide for
Indigenous community leaders to respond to family violence and child
abuse.
Fitzroy, Vic: SNAICC, rev. ed., 2005, 30p, Online (PDF 775 KB)
http://srs.snaicc.asn.au/projects/default_resources.cfm?loadref=61
The focus of this booklet is the impact of family violence and other forms of child abuse and neglect on children. It is aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders, and brings together resources to support leaders in raising community awareness, developing a local child protection response strategy and developing a long term prevention program.
Available from: Secretariat of the National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) http://www.snaicc.asn.au/
Monahan, Geoff; Young, Lisa.
Violence
and abuse.
In: Monahan, Geoff and Young, Lisa. Family law in
Australia. Chatswood, NSW: LexisNexis Butterworths, 6th ed., 2006,
p620-663
Significant advances in legal approaches to the problem of domestic violence have been made over recent years. This chapter discusses injunctions, protection orders under state and territory legislation, relationship between Commonwealth and state and territory laws, tort claims and cross vested jurisdiction, protecting children from abuse, responses to the problem of child abuse, mandatory reporting, and remedies for child victims of abuse.
Available from: LexisNexis http://www.lexisnexis.com.au/
Nancarrow, Heather.
The emergency
response to family violence in the Northern Territory: where's the
evidence?
Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence
Research CDFVR Newsletter v.6 no.3 Mar 2008: 4-6, and Online (whole
volume 463KB)
http://www.noviolence.com.au/public/newsletters/news23.pdf
Urgent action is needed to address the abuse of women and children in Indigenous communities. However, there is widespread concern that the Howard Government's intervention in the Northern Territory is not being implemented in partnership with community members, and that principles of evidence based practice have not been applied to the intervention measures. This article reviews the Federal Government's Northern Territory intervention up to November 2007 against the researched evidence on effective interventions in Indigenous family violence. It notes the Government's ready access to information on evidence based interventions for Indigenous family violence, particularly through the Commonwealth funded Partnerships against Domestic Violence (PADV) initiative, and similar information through the Prime Minister's National Indigenous Council. Apart from its failure to draw on available research, the emergency plan imposes a top down approach on communities rather than building programs from the ground up in partnership with communities.
Available from: Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research http://www.noviolence.com.au/
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
(NACCHO, Australia).
What's needed to improve
child abuse/ family violence in a social and emotional well being
framework in Aboriginal communities.
Canberra, ACT: National
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), 2006, 18p,
Online (PDF 145 KB)
http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Advocacy/AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderHealth/Policyandactions/200606_nacho_framework.pdf
In order to address violence in Aboriginal communities, NACCHO as the national peak Aboriginal health body representing Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services throughout Australia, advocates a holistic response with a health focus on healing and empowerment. This includes addressing issues of land rights, poverty, housing, health, education and employment. The position paper explains why this response is necessary and sets out steps to take to continue work already underway.
Available from: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners http://www.racgp.org.au
Nowra, Louis.
Bad dreaming:
Aboriginal men's violence against women and children.
North
Melbourne, Vic: Pluto Press Australia, 2007, 102p (NOW
Australia)
A growing body of literature documents the problem of male Aboriginal sexual and domestic violence against women and children. This investigation of the prevalence of male violence in Aboriginal communities shows that it is not confined to remote communities. The book discusses the forms that the sexual abuse and violence take, including a high rate of sexual abuse of boys, the effects of this behaviour on the community and the other social problems that are associated with it.
Poole, Marilyn.
Violence.
In:
Poole, M. ed. Family: changing families, changing times. Crows Nest, NSW:
Allen and Unwin, 2005, p199-222
Some of the controversies and debates surrounding family violence are discussed in this chapter. The chapter considers issues such as the theoretical and methodological frameworks used in studies of violence in the home, and intergenerational transmission of violence. It covers the terms and definitions used to define violence in the home, family violence as a social and public issue, sources of information on family violence in Australia, homicide, the links between child maltreatment and family violence, the effect on children of witnessing or experiencing violence, elder abuse, explanations for family violence, resource theory, patriarchal terrorism and common couple violence.
Available from: Allen and Unwin, 9 Atchison Street, St Leonards NSW 2065. Email frontdesk@allen-unwin.com.au. Internet http://www.allen-unwin.com.au
Smyth, Bruce; Moloney, Lawrie; Weston, Ruth; Richardson,
Nick; Qu, Lixia; Gray, Matthew.
Allegations of
family violence and child abuse in children's proceedings: a pre-reform
empirical snapshot.
Australian Journal of Family Law v.21 no.3 Nov
2007: 252-287
This article reports on a study of allegations of family violence in family law children's proceedings recently completed by the Australian Institute of Family Studies. The study examined: the prevalence and nature of allegations of family violence and child abuse in children's proceedings initiated in 2003 in Victoria and South Australia; the extent to which alleging parties provided evidence in support of their allegations, and to which allegations were denied, admitted or left unanswered by the other party; and the extent to which court outcomes of post-separation parenting disputes appeared to be related to the presence or absence of allegations. It is hoped that these data will stimulate discussion about the way in which allegations of family violence and child abuse are examined within the new family law system. (Journal abstract, edited)
Available from: LexisNexis http://www.lexisnexis.com.au/
Standards New Zealand.
NZS 8006:2006.
Screening, risk assessment and intervention for family violence including
child abuse and neglect.
Wellington, NZ: Standards New Zealand,
2006, 94p, figures (NZS 8006:2006), Online (PDF 2273 KB)
http://www.police.govt.nz/resources/2006/nzs-8006-2006/nzs-8006-2006.pdf
This standard was prepared for screening, risk assessment and intervention for family violence including child abuse and neglect in New Zealand. It establishes the minimum requirements that should be met by individuals, agencies and services that work with families living with family violence, child abuse or neglect. It aims to provide a consistent set of guidelines for these services and workers, and to enable a coherent response to incidents and symptoms of family violence, abuse and neglect. This standard also addresses the issue of risk assessment and the practice of intervention in the form of safety planning. The standard discusses: the role of the Treaty of Waitangi; the role of human rights; who should use this standard; its purpose, application and benefits; interpretation of the standard; Maori violence; Pacific peoples and family violence; immigrant and ethnic communities; information sharing; police; risk screening; risk assessment; and safety planning.
Available from: New Zealand Police http://www.police.govt.nz/
Taylor, Nicola; Signal, Tania; Stark, Tanja.
Domestic violence, child abuse and companion animal harm: service
provision.
Journal of the Home Economics Institute of Australia
v.13 no.1 2006: 2-5, table, and Online (PDF 244 KB)
http://www.heia.com.au/heia_graphics/JHEIA13-1-1.pdf
This paper addresses the link between domestic violence, child abuse and companion animal harm by firstly presenting the results of a study that investigated family service provider perspectives on this link. The results showed that there is a general awareness of this link amongst family service providers and, furthermore, that there is general support amongst this community for a service aimed at specifically addressing this issue. The paper then moves on to discuss the results of a pilot program, Pets in Crisis, which fosters the companion animals of women seeking refuge from domestic violence. (Journal abstract)
Available from: Journal of the Home Economics Institute of Australia http://www.heia.com.au/default.asp
Thobun, June.
Out-of-home care as a
response to family violence: some lessons from a cross-national study.
In: CROCCS International Conference, 'Overcoming violence and
poverty', August 2007. Mackay, Qld: Mackay Centre for Research on
Community and Children's Services, 2007, 18p
There are some circumstances in which it is necessary for children to be removed from the damaging effects of family violence, either temporarily or permanently. However, in recent years there has been increasing concern about the inability of care systems in English speaking countries to meet the needs of these children. Although data sets collated from national administrative sources can be useful in providing a context for effective policies and practice interventions, comparisons between successful interventions in different countries may result in misleading conclusions. This paper discusses a research project that analysed similarities and differences between in care statistics in apparently similar countries, and offers possible explanations for the differences. The countries included in the research represented a range of different approaches to child welfare. The countries and states were: New South Wales, Queensland, Alberta, Ontario, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Spain Sweden, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Illinois, North Carolina and Washington.
Available from: Mackay Centre for Research on Community and Children's Services http://www.croccs.org.au/
Victoria. Department of Human Services.
Child protection and family violence: guidance for child
protection practitioners: (incorporating the use of intervention
orders).
Melbourne, Vic: Department of Human Services, 2005, 32p,
Online (PDF 1.7 MB)
http://www.office-for-children.vic.gov.au/child_protection/library/publications/protection/guidance
Developed to assist child protection workers to work more effectively with families where violence presents a risk to the safety and well being of children, this guide covers: background principles and definitions, assessment guidance using the Victorian Risk Framework (VRF), child protection intervention, child protection case planning, culture and family violence, working with other services, impact of family violence on workers. The appendices include information on the use of intervention orders and case examples.
Available from: Office for Children http://www.office-for-children.vic.gov.au/
Western Australia. Department of Health. Women's Health
Policy and Projects Unit.
Guidelines for
responding to family and domestic violence.
Perth, WA: Department
of Health, 2007, 74p, and Online (PDF 484 KB)
http://www.health.wa.gov.au/publications/documents/
Gudielines_for_responding_to_Family_and_Domestic_Violence.pdf
The Guidelines were developed to provide health workers with an understanding of family and domestic violence and the impact it has on members of the family and the wider community, and to assist health workers to intervene safely and effectively with victims of violence and abuse, their children and other vulnerable people in the household. The document sets out principles of screening for violence and abuse, and of intervention. It provides standard information applicable to health professionals and clinical settings.
Available from: Health Department of Western Australia http://www.health.wa.gov.au
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