Family, domestic, and sexual violence are serious public health and welfare concerns. It affects people of all ages, as well as all social and demographic categories, although it mostly affects women and children.

This research examines the most recent statistics on family, domestic, and sexual violence in Australia available to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. It compiles data from many sources on victims and perpetrators, as well as the causes, consequences, and outcomes of violence. The collection of this data reveals significant data gaps that, if filled, might increase the evidence base and help the prevention and reduction of family, domestic, and sexual violence in Australia.

As many data collections focus only on violence perpetrated by an intimate partner, particularly male violence against women, much of this report focuses on domestic violence.

Women are at greater risk of family, domestic and sexual violence

Men are more likely to experience violence from strangers and in a public place; women are most likely to know the perpetrator (often their current or a previous partner) and the violence usually takes place in their home.

Some groups are more vulnerable than others.
Indigenous women, young women, pregnant women, women separating from their relationships, women with disabilities, and women enduring financial difficulties are at higher risk of familial, domestic, and sexual assault.

Women and men who were abused or saw domestic violence as youngsters (before the age of 15) are at a higher risk.

Children are frequently exposed to violence.
There is a scarcity of evidence on the type, extent, and consequences of familial violence on children. Despite this, qualitative research has revealed that children exposed to familial, domestic, and sexual violence can have long-term consequences on their development and are more likely to have mental health concerns, as well as behavioural and learning challenges (Campo 2015).