Type:	Report
Title:	The rural women's report : a research and consultation project on family and domestic violence in rural Western Australia
Authors:	Family and Domestic Violence Unit, Department for Community Development, Government of Western Australia
Keywords:	Overview;Regional rural and remote areas
Year:	2006
Publisher:	Western Australia. Department for Community Development, Family and Domestic Violence Unit
Notes:	This reports on the research and consultation project conducted by the Family and Domestic Violence Unit (FDVU) in Western Australia to look at issues relating to family and domestic violence in a rural context. Remote areas were not examined. From the literature review and consultations, common themes or issues were identified. It found that certain aspects of rural culture and community attitudes present barriers to women escaping domestic violence and men seeking help for their abusive behaviour. There is a lack of resources for community awareness. Healthy relationships training for young people and school-based programmes were seen as important. Legislation such as the Acts Amendments (Family and Domestic Violence) Act 2004 gave greater protection to victims. There was general support for the amendments but some expressed concern about the possible effects of the Police Orders. Another common view was that the judicial system could re-victimise victims, and there was uncertainty of victims being able to access Legal Aid in regional areas with limited legal resources. Sentencing of perpetrators was raised as an issue and there was insufficient consideration by courts of assault in a domestic context and the exposure of children to violence. Lack of funding was seen as the most significant factor affecting the capacity of service providers. The size of the district to be serviced, the higher costs of travel time and fuel, and the greater incidence of domestic violence in non-metropolitan areas all increase the costs for rural service providers. Implications of distance, isolation and a lack of transport are strongly raised as impacting on the ability of clients to access services. Options to overcome such issues include police officers directing victims to help lines and a mobile model of service provision. Ability to provide coordinated services was important. Lack of anonymity was a significant factor preventing people from accessing information and assistance in small rural communities. There are fewer accommodation options generally, and a lack of housing within Aboriginal communities, both of which contribute to incidents of family violence. Children’s need for counselling has also not been addressed in service provision.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/19249
Physical description:	35 p.
Appears in Collections:	Reports

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