The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has introduced a new website aimed at reporting on family, domestic, and sexual violence, marking a significant milestone in Australia's efforts to address these critical issues. The platform brings together data from over 30 national sources, shedding light on the prevalence of such violence while also highlighting key data gaps.

AIHW spokesperson Sally Mills emphasised the website's groundbreaking inclusion of new statistics pertaining to children affected by family and domestic violence (FDV). “For children and young people who experience family, domestic and sexual violence, the harm caused can be serious and long-lasting affecting their health, wellbeing, education, and social and emotional development,” Ms Mills said.

The website not only provides crucial statistics but also consolidates information on community services that are crucial in responding to violence. This includes data on hospitals and specialist homelessness services, enhancing our understanding of how people receive assistance.

Startling statistics from AIHW reveal that a significant proportion (55 per cent) of assault injury hospitalisations involving children aged 0–14 in 2021–22 were FDV-related. The data further identifies parents as the primary perpetrators (72 per cent) among children aged 0–14, domestic partners (74 per cent) for females aged 15–24, and other family members (58 per cent) for males aged 15–24.

Family and domestic violence emerged as major contributors to homelessness among women and children. A striking 54 per cent of children aged 0–9 supported by specialist homelessness services in 2021–22 had experienced family and domestic violence. Moreover, the majority (71 per cent) of young people aged 15–24 who had experienced FDV sought assistance alone, with a notable gender disparity – nearly four times as many females as males.

Additional insights from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021–22 Personal Safety Survey reveal that 13 per cent of adults witnessed partner violence against a parent during their childhood. More people witnessed violence against their mothers (12 per cent) compared to their fathers (4.3 per cent).

AIHW spokesperson Sally Mills highlighted the website's critical role: “The evidence on this website will be used to inform national initiatives to address family, domestic and sexual violence, including early intervention and assistance for children and young people, and monitor changes in service use and outcomes over time.” 

The inclusion of written contributions from individuals with lived experiences adds a valuable dimension to the reporting, providing unique insights that complement national data.

Local MP Gareth Ward has commented, “As a former Minister for Family and Community Services, and as a local MP, I have seen first hand the scourge of domestic and family violence. 

“All of us have a role in calling out domestic and family violence but using data better can help us provide the best possible services and even provide more targeted early intervention measures.

“The Australian Institute for Health and Welfare should be commended for this initiative. I would encourage the NSW Government to better use the data it has for a range of interventions. The Forecasting Future Outcomes Report tells us that just 7 per cent of children will comprise 50 per cent of the welfare budget by the time they are 40.

Better connecting departmental data, from crime statistics including Domestic and Family Violence information to homelessness and child protection can help us better respond to protecting some of the most vulnerable and even identify early signs of challenge, disadvantage and tumult.”

The new website is: https://aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence