Content warning: This article contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to family, domestic and sexual violence.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has launched a website dedicated to reporting on family, domestic and sexual violence. For the first time in Australia, the website comprehensively brings together over 30 national data sources on family, domestic and sexual violence and highlights data and information gaps.
AIHW spokesperson Sally Mills said the website includes new statistics about children who experience family and domestic violence (FDV).
‘For children and young people who experience family, domestic and sexual violence, the harm caused can be serious and long-lasting affecting their health, wellbeing, education, and social and emotional development.’ Ms Mills said.
‘Services in the community play an important role in responding to violence. Bringing together information on these services, such as hospitals and specialist homelessness services, helps us better understand how people are assisted.’
Family and domestic violence is also one of the main reasons that women and children lose or are at risk of losing their home.
‘For the first time, written contributions from people with lived experience of family, domestic and sexual violence are included in the AIHW reporting on FDV. These contributions complement the national data reporting and provide valuable insights.’
Funding and support for the website is provided by the Department of Social Services.