Module Intentions

1. Gain an overview of family and sexual violence in Tasmania.
2. Provide knowledge and understanding of the correlation between family violence and emergency events.
3. Provide knowledge and understanding of the barriers victim-survivors of family and sexual violence face in accessing help.
4. Outline appropriate responses to disclosures of family and sexual violence.

Why do you need to know about family violence and the correlation to emergency events?

In Australia:

• On average, one woman is killed every nine days by a partner.
• 1 in 3 women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
• 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
• 1 in 3 women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by a man since the age of 15.

When will you apply this knowledge?

In your role in the emergency management field or developing recovery/emergency management policies, you may come across someone who discloses to you that they are experiencing or have experienced family and sexual violence, or you may be drafting policies that impact this vulnerable cohort.

Overview

Violence against women takes a profound and long-term toll on women’s health and wellbeing, on families and communities, and on society as a whole, and unfortunately, violence against women is extremely prevalent in our communities.

Additionally, there is Australian and international evidence that shows there is an increase in family violence when there is an emergency event.

Having an understanding of what family violence is and its correlation to emergency events can assist individuals working in the emergency management field or in emergency management policy to:

• Appropriately respond to disclosures of family and sexual violence with the information provided in this module; and
• Understand the additional barriers victim-survivors of family and sexual violence are faced with when developing recovery policies.

 Introduction to Family and Sexual Violence and Emergency Events video

To learn more about family and sexual violence and emergency events, watch the video below featuring the Family Violence Counselling and Support Service (Department of Communities Tasmania) and the Huon Domestic Violence Service.