Introduction
Family and domestic violence have been a significant concern for decades, and efforts to address the issue have involved many multiple environments of the public. According to Mayes (2020), “One in six women in Australia has experienced partner violence since the age of 15” (p. 3). Family Violence refers to any threatening, forceful, controlling, or abusive behavior that occurs inside a family or household (Boxall et al., 2020). Family Violence is a persistent pattern of abusive behavior committed by one person against another, frequently utilizing a variety of tactics.
Overview and Background of the Family and Domestic Violence Social Policy
The main difference between domestic violence and other types of violence is that it occurs between people in a close or family relationship. Separate several types of abuse, such as physical, sexual, psychological, economic, medical, and neglect. Domestic violence results in impaired mental and physical health, diminished productivity, and decreased quality of life (Heron & Eisma, 2021). Of all violent acts, domestic violence is the most difficult to detect because victims often do not report the incident to the police. However, such laws’ application and interpretation have been questioned (Taylor, 2020). The law in question is the Family Law Act 1975, which mentions domestic violence.
The historical origins of domestic violence come from religious societies in which the use of force against a woman was forgiven. Early marriage laws permitted men to hit their wives, which is why throughout most of the 20th century, domestic violence remained a severe problem (Henrich et al., 2012). According to Taylor (2020), the anti-stalking laws of the 1990s were critical in changing the attitude of the Australian Government toward spousal abuse because they discussed threats of violence and psychological abuse. Before this law, offenders had no repercussions until the threats were acted upon. Now, all jurisdictions in Australia consider domestic or family violence as “emotionally, psychologically or economically abusive behavior” (Taylor, 2020). The Tasmanian Law of 2004 introduced summary offenses that included such behaviors and punished the offender with a fine or a maximum period of two years of imprisonment (The Family Violence Act of 2004). This should serve as a preventive measure that combats the manifestation of violence.
Since then, for W.A., the Family Law Amendment (Western Australia Family Court Rules) Rules 2021 is a” legislative instrument that is compatible with human rights and freedom. It declared that engages the following: “The best interest of the child and protection of children from exploitation, violence, and abuse” which includes as stated in article 19(1) of the CRC, “amongst other types of abuse to protect the child against mental violence.” Carson & Lorraine (2020) state that ‘The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children 2010-2022’ in 2011 is COAG’s primary policy to address family and domestic violence in Australia. This policy has a significant impact on reducing domestic violence.
Relevance of the Policy
The critical factor in eliminating violence against children and women is the implementation of relevant legal norms and acts. According to Carson & Lorraine (2020), in line with the Fourth Action Plan 2019-2022 of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children, COAG 2019 has identified several top priorities. Chief among these are increased attention to violence, the creation of a support program for women who have experienced violence, and increased attention to reporting violence.
An important aspect of policy development is the consideration of sustainable development factors. The most acceptable solution to the problem in the context of the globalization of Australian economic development is the implementation at the world community level of an effective socially oriented economy model based on the principles of sustainable development. In addition, the forms and methods that have developed in pedagogy, psychology, and the legal sphere can also be applied in social work. An effective way to contribute to resolving problems of domestic violence can be to attract the attention of the authorities to this issue. Family violence reforms, such as the Family Violence Act of 2004, have raised awareness of the nature and effects of family violence among the general population (Strickland & Murray, 2014). It gives legal and social ground to movements to create shelters and administer frontline care to victims of domestic abuse. Such a shelter is the White Ribbon Australia movement, mainly consisting of men who strive to change public opinion and apathy toward victims of family violence through education (Fisher, 2012). The movement assists children of domestic violence victims, along with technical help and training programs.
The recent issue of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a new surge in domestic violence. During the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic regarding the economy and other factors, abusers had more power and influence over their partners in the COVID-19 situation (Piquero et al., 2021). With their abusers nearby, they were less likely to contact crisis hotlines and escape the risk of consequences if they ran away. Under Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the Australian Government provided $150 million to support services (Andina et al., 2020). In addition, the Morrison government also assisted with $3 million to local and national service providers that help with domestic violence counseling (Andina et al., 2020). These actions were to help victims of domestic violence escape the situation, whereas otherwise, they would have been trapped.
Critical Social Issues Related to Social Policy Development
The impacts of domestic violence as people get psychological traumas and mental disorders and, thus, weaken their social position in the community (Alejo, 2014). In addition, it is possible to notice a significant impact on business and that the decrease in productivity level is becoming an important issue (Fana et al., 2020). Women were worried that they would be unable to handle their finances alone or be treated as mentally unstable (Edwards et al., 2012). Many victims hesitated to ask for help because they feared being abused again by their partners and were concerned about leaving their lives behind. The change in attitude has come about thanks to the transformation of ideas about the roles and rights of women in society (Signorelli, et.al. 2012). It contributes to the development of sustainability and it is a prerequisite for the successful socio-economic development of Australia. Which in turn guarantees an improvement in the situation of domestic violence. The basis of sustainable development is the mandatory consideration of economic and social factors in the development of social development issues. Sustainable development implies forming a civil society in which there should be no violence; therefore, this is an essential component of forming a policy to combat domestic violence. Policies aimed at fighting domestic violence contribute to resolving gender inequality issues since such law enforcement assist women in searching for ways to escape the life situations where they feel oppressed (Dunkley & Philips, 2015). In the future, the well-established scheme of work will make it possible to respond even faster to such challenges.
Relevant Policy Responses
Domestic violence is an important problem in modern society and needs to be studied and corrected. A community initiative for the primary prevention of domestic violence, the Community Respect and Equality Action Plan (CRE), was initiated in response to rising levels of domestic violence in the Midwest region. The Washington State Police report a family member’s violence and dangerous behavior there. About 2.5 times higher than the state average (Ringin et al., 2022). Safer Families, Safer Communities Kimberley Regional Plan to Combat Domestic Violence 2015-2020 has been recognized by Social Reinvestment WA for its many benefits (Social Reinvestment Western Australia, 2017). The strategy cites Kimberley’s high rate of domestic violence and notes that limited response capacity contributes to high recidivism rates and undermines overall efforts to address domestic violence. This strategy states that the Aboriginal law and culture must develop all approaches. Since the passage of the Domestic Violence Act of 2004 (Tas), the Government’s response to domestic violence has expanded to include several agencies and initiatives such as criminal prosecution and providing additional resources to abusers and victims (Taylor, 2020). Such steps are important because they make it easier to eradicate violence.
One of the most critical policy responses to date is COVID-19. The Australian Government has taken all the necessary measures to combat COVID-19, such as testing or access to medical care for millions of victims of domestic violence. Responding remotely to women exposed to violence during COVID-19 required “a rapid transition to remote service delivery models, which meant that clinicians had to adapt their services to these situations” (Pfitzner et al., 2022). The faster medical and social services respond, the greater the chance to help women in difficult situations.
Prevention of abuse depends on the involvement of the local police. According to Brennan et al. (2021), “training and development to ensure that training reflects the fact that combating domestic violence is a major focus of the police force” (p. 3). Most police officers attend these training sessions, regardless of their role or position (Brennan I. et al., 2021). At present, this policy can be assessed as effective because it significantly increases the awareness of police officers about the problem of domestic violence. Accordingly, this leads to a better understanding of the essence of the problem and its correction.
Conclusion
Family and domestic violence is a severe issue in Australia that concerns various groups of women. A movement for expanded government involvement in family and domestic violence as a public issue has emerged in recent years, with a stronger emphasis on changing cultural attitudes and behaviors that lead to family violence institutions providing various policies and regulations to grant protection for the victims. In addition to this, sustainable development policies also contribute to the development of civil society and thus help to prevent domestic violence. Additionally, human services help to address the issue most effectively through the involvement of private and communal organizations.
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