Australian
                                facts & stats

1. 1 in 3 Australian women who have ever been in an intimate relationship will at least one form of violence during their lifetime from a partner violence [Mouzos and Makkai 2004].
   
   

2. Children witness 44% of all Australian domestic violence incidents [AIC, 2006].
   
   

3. Domestic violence is the most common form of violence experienced by women globally [UN].
   
   

4. An estimated 80% of cases of violence go unreported to the police [VicHealth].
   
   

5. Just over 20% of homicides involve intimate partners. Males commit homicide seven times more frequently than women [AIC].
   
   

6. Australian women are most likely to be killed by their partner or ex-partner than by a stranger or 'friend' [VLRC].
   
   

7. In 32-53% of families where women are beaten, their children are also beaten by the same perpetrator [White Ribbon].
   
   

8. The NSW Child Death Review Team found that in 18 out of the 19 cases where death occurred as a result of physical abuse and/or neglect, there was a family background of domestic violence.
   
   

9. Domestic violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15-44, being responsible for more of the disease burden than many well-known factors including  high blood pressure, smoking and obesity [VicHealth].
   
   

10. Between 50% and 60% of women mental health service users have
    experienced domestic violence, and up to 20% will be experiencing
    current abuse [Department of Health, 2003].
    
    

11. Domestic violence is the most common factor contributing to homelessness among women and their children [Marcus & Braaf 2007] forcing them to leave their homes thereby disrupting their personal social support networks as well as their children's schooling and social networks.
    
    

12. In 2009, the cost of domestic violence to the Australian economy was $13.6 billion [KPMG] - the equivalent to building 30 Docklands Stadiums.
    
    

13. Australian businesses lose at least $500 million per year as a result of domestic violence. Victims take just under $30 million per year in sick leave. Associated staff turnover costs a further $9 million annually [Henderson & Associates, 2000].
    
    

14. Australian research commissioned by VicHealth [Cadilhac et al, 2009] suggests that even modest reductions in the rate of domestic violence would result in cost savings opportunities of over $35 million in health sector costs and over $300 million in productivity and leisure costs.
    
    

15. Pet abuse and domestic violence are linked in many disturbing ways. 85% of the abused women who sought refuge with them reported pet abuse in the home [Ascione, Weber &Wood].
    
    

16. False allegations of violence and abuse are far less common than false denials of their perpetration [Jaffe et al, 2008].