Screening for coercive control with refugee women accessing settlement services

Abstract

This article reports on the SAHAR study, a pilot of a culturally tailored intervention using the ACTS screening tool to identify coercive control and other forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) among refugee women accessing Australian settlement services. Drawing on consultations with a lived experience panel, caseworkers, and managers, the study assessed the feasibility of screening for controlling behaviour across five service sites. The findings indicate that coercive control was the most frequently reported form of abuse, with 88% of women who disclosed IPV reporting controlling behaviour. Bicultural caseworkers, trained in IPV response, successfully facilitated sensitive conversations around non-physical forms of abuse, leading to increased awareness among both clients and practitioners. The study supports the integration of coercive control screening into settlement services as a critical early intervention strategy. <br><br> The study directly relates to domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) by highlighting coercive control as a pervasive and often unrecognised form of abuse in refugee communities. It explores the ways in which cultural norms, language, visa status, and financial dependency contribute to the normalisation of control and reduce help-seeking. The findings emphasise the value of culturally responsive screening tools and refugee-informed practice to improve early identification, safety planning, and referral pathways for women experiencing DFSV.