Note - ADFVC papers are not currently available online. This report has been archived by National Library Australia - last accessed via this link on 16/01/2017.
This research has been specifically concerned to examine the impact of domestic violence on women’s economic wellbeing and the intersection of this with their recovery overall. To do this, the research explored the ways in which domestic violence creates complex economic issues for women (and their
children), and how this disrupts their lives over the short and long term. It has been equally concerned with investigating personal strategies and service initiatives that support those who have left violence to break free from financial uncertainty. The study was conducted in 2009 by the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, which is a project of the Centre for Gender-Related Violence Studies at the University of New South Wales. The findings of the research are consistent with national and international research studies that point to
numerous ways in which domestic violence impacts on women’s financial outcomes. This study goes further to highlight that for women experiencing domestic violence, financial security goes to the heart of not only their freedom from abuse, but also their recovery and capacity to (re)gain control over their lives, now and in the future. Importantly, the study has a direct bearing on current debates in Australia concerning social inclusion (and by extension, social justice) and, specifically, the Federal Government’s social inclusion agenda. In February 2008, then Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard defined social inclusion as the capacity for people to find employment; access services; maintain social networks through family, friends, work, personal interests and their local community; deal with personal crises such as ill health, bereavement or the loss of a job; and have their voice heard (2008). This research demonstrates how significantly men’s
violence towards their female partners contributes to women’s social exclusion. This is apparent through its direct negative impact on victims’ material wealth and health outcomes. Domestic violence is also a disempowering force, undermining the confidence of those affected and often inviting discrimination
against them. Efforts to prevent and mitigate the economic effects of domestic violence on victims are, thereby, central to promoting women’s social inclusion. (from he Executive Summary)