ABSTRACT

How to reduce the incidence of domestic violence continues to challenge policymakers in Australia. This article draws upon a Keynote Address delivered at a University of Technology Sydney Symposium on gender equality, domestic violence and work. Through presenting ground-breaking data on domestic violence in Australia, I show the stark situation many women face in Australia – to stay with violent partners or leave a violent relationship and risk poverty. Domestic violence often has immediate and longer-term consequences for employment with as many as 50% of women facing lower incomes and cash flow problems. Existing government policy is inadequate, with a phenomenon of ‘policy-induced poverty’ arising for many women who leave violent relationships. Further research and policy development is required to not only understand the work and employment consequences for women experiencing domestic violence, but examine ways in which policy can be improved to support victims of violence.

摘要

如何减少家庭暴力的发生率继续挑战着澳大利亚的政策制定者。本文借鉴了在悉尼科技大学关于性别平等、家庭暴力和工作的研讨会上发表的主题演讲。通过提供有关澳大利亚家庭暴力的开创性数据，我展示了澳大利亚许多女性面临的严峻处境——与暴力伴侣同住或离开暴力关系并冒着陷入贫困的风险。家庭暴力通常会对就业产生直接和长期的影响，多达 50% 的女性面临收入下降和现金流问题。现有的政府政策不完善，导致许多脱离暴力关系的妇女出现“政策致贫”现象。