Family violence in Indigenous communities: What is the impact of domestic violence on Indigenous families?

Abstract

Domestic violence is recognized as the most entrenched and pervasive form of violence in society today. It is also one of the most serious social problems facing our communities, with enormous costs both to individuals and to society. Male Violence against female partners is a widespread practice and recognition of this fact is occurring. Women are most at risk of murder inside their own homes: most female homicide victims die at the hands of their male partner, usually after a history of domestic violence. The impact of the violence results in psychological and physical trauma for many families. Violence is generally seen as a manifestation of patriarchal values of male supremacy involving factors such as ownership, of property, power and control, female subordination, and the institution of marriage and the family. Male violence relates to gender inequity. Thus it is a political issue. It is not only women who are traumatized by the violence. Children do not only observe their parents' conflict, there is increasing evidence that the abuse of children is endemic in Australia.