Aboriginal women’s experiences with intimate partner sexual violence and the dangerous lives they live as a result of victimisation

Abstract

Considerable research has documented the seriousness of intimate partner sexual violence, which disproportionately affects Aboriginal women. Rates of intimate homicides are five times higher for Aboriginal women compared to non-Aboriginal women. Intimate partner sexual violence has a particular capacity to attack the identity of victimised women due to the multiple forms of violence they experience simultaneously. This study investigated the nature of violence perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner against adult Aboriginal Australian women. Findings revealed high levels of sexual victimisation and potentially lethal violence, including threats to kill, attempts of strangulation, threats with weapons, and frequent forced sexual intercourse. Resistance to violence was linked to feelings of fear and anger. Recommendations for frontline intervention policies include culturally sensitive and specific protective measures, the removal of barriers to addressing victimisation, and an emphasis on cultural competency and empathic understanding in support services.