ASSESSMENT COVER SHEET

Family Name: Given Name(s):

Mahreen Bushra

Student ID: Course:

1073320 BCS

Unit Code: Unit Name:

SAP 101 Foundation of sociology and politics

Lecturer: Assessment Number/Title:

Samuel Ariong Assessment 4: Essay 2

Semester/Trimester and Year: Word Count:

T1-23 2000
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Introduction 1

Sociological Explanations For Vaw 1

Mental Health And Well-Being Theory 2

Government Responsibility On Both Social Issues 2

The Commonwealth State Arrangements 3

Current Policy Response From Government Responsibility 3

Future Step From Government To Overcome 4

Current Running Program For Future Prospective 5

Conclusion 5

Reference 6-8

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Introduction:
Domestic violence is a pervasive and perplexing issue that affects individuals, families, and
communities across Australia. It's a form of abuse that may occur in any kind of relationship, not just
romantic ones. Physical, sexual, emotional, and monetary kinds of abuse are only a few examples.
Domestic abuse can have far-reaching consequences, including negative effects on the mental health
and well-being of victims and their children (Munro, 2020).
To counteract the detrimental consequences of domestic violence on mental health and welfare, there
is a need for trauma-informed care and assistance that caters to the unique requirements of victims.
This could include making sure people have easy access to therapy and counselling services, as well as
addressing the underlying social and economic factors that can contribute to long-term effects of
trauma and abuse (Munro, 2020).
The Australian government has instituted a plan to reduce domestic and family violence called the
National Strategy to Eliminate Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022. (VAW, 2020).
Notwithstanding these initiatives, domestic abuse and its effects on mental health and wellness still
require continuous work. All levels of government need to work together on this, and they need to
keep in touch with those who will be directly impacted (DFV, 2022).
This essay draws on publications published in the peer-reviewed Australian Journal of Community
Work to examine the problem of domestic violence in Australia, its causes and contributing factors,
and potential solutions to the problem.

Sociological Explanation of VAW:

There is no single cause or element that leads to domestic violence. Social and economic inequality,
sexism, and cultural attitudes towards violence have all been identified as major causes and
contributors to domestic violence in Australia. Women who have experienced domestic violence are
more likely to be economically disadvantaged, according to research conducted by the Australian
Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse (Mouzos, 2018). Some causes for this include a lack of
financial stability, stable housing, and job prospects.
Domestic and family abuse victims in Australia have access to confidential information, assistance,
and counselling through the "1800RESPECT" programme, which was founded by the Australian
government. You can reach the service via phone, live chat, or email at any time, day or night, 365
days a year (Australian Government Department of Social Services, 2021). These government
programmes and services aim to reduce the occurrence of domestic violence, help victims and their
families cope, and hold abusers accountable for their acts.

Mental health and wellbeing theory:

In Australia, women and children who are either direct victims of domestic abuse or who witness
domestic violence frequently suffer from mental health issues (Howard, Feder, & Agnew-Davies,
2013). Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health problems are more common among
women who have experienced domestic violence (Howard et al., 2013; World Health Organization,
2013). Substance misuse, self-harm, and even suicide attempts can all result from the trauma of
experiencing domestic violence (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2019).
In Australia, there are a number of organisations and efforts designed to help victims and survivors of
domestic abuse cope with the long-term effects of the trauma they have experienced. Services such as
the "National Helpline" and "1800RESPECT," which offer victims of domestic and family abuse

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access to discreet information, support, and counselling. There are already numerous programmes and
efforts in place to aid victims, survivors, and the mental health professionals who play an essential role
in recognising and addressing the psychological effects of domestic violence.

Government Responsibility:

Depending on who you ask and what policies are in place, domestic violence can have a wide range of
effects on the Australian public.
Abuse inside the home and family: In Australia, domestic and family violence prevention and
intervention fall under the purview of both the federal and state governments (Australian Government
Department of Social Services, 2020). State governments are responsible for adopting and enforcing
domestic abuse legislation and providing support services for victims, while the federal government
funds national campaigns and services like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (Australian
Government Department of Social Services, 2020). The National Plan to Prevent Violence against
Women and their Children is a joint federal and state initiative aimed at reducing domestic abuse. This
plan is part of the Commonwealth State arrangements for domestic and family violence (Australian
Government Department of Social Services, 2020).
When it comes to matters of mental health, the Australian federal government is legally obligated to
take the lead (Australian Government Department of Health, 2020). The government promotes mental
health, prevents mental illness, and treats and supports people with mental health difficulties. The
National Mental Health Commission, created in 2011, provides independent advice and
recommendations to the federal government on mental health policies and programmes. (Australian
Health Department, 2020)

The Commonwealth State arrangements:

The National Mental Health Commission was established in 2011 as part of the Commonwealth State
arrangements for mental health in order to offer impartial advice and recommendations to the federal
government on mental health policies and services (AJC, 2021).

The federal government funds national campaigns and services like the National Domestic Violence
Hotline, but it is the responsibility of individual states to enact and enforce domestic abuse laws and
offer assistance to victims. The National Plan to Prevent Violence against Women and their Children
is a joint initiative between the federal government and individual states that is part of the
Commonwealth State arrangements for domestic and family violence.

Current Policy Response From Government Responsibility:

The effects of domestic abuse on mental health have been documented in studies. Depression, anxiety,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse are just some of the mental health issues
that victims of domestic violence are more likely to experience. Women who had experienced partner
violence were more likely to express high or very high levels of psychological distress, according to a
study performed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017).
The Strategic National Initiative to End Domestic and Sexual Violence by 2022. This plan was
designed by the Australian federal government and the individual states and territories to better
coordinate domestic and family violence prevention and response operations. A national helpline for
victims of domestic and family abuse (1800RESPECT), funding for frontline services, and a
nationwide campaign to increase awareness about domestic and family violence have all been

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established under the National Plan. Specific goals, such as lowering the percentage of women who
have experienced abuse in the past year, are set out in the plan and are to be accomplished by 2022. In
addition to the National Plan, Australia has passed domestic violence laws. The 2019 Family Law
Amendment (Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties) Act prevents family violence abusers
from directly cross-examining their victims in family court proceedings. Notwithstanding these
governmental solutions, domestic violence remains a major issue in Australia, with high rates of
recorded assaults and persistent difficulties in supporting victims. The strategy could enhance
Australian mental health by delivering more individualised, flexible care. To maintain the model's
efficacy, they stressed the necessity for continual review and development (O'Donoghue et al., 2019).

Future step from Government to overcome:

Australia's government has recognised the importance of a unified effort to address domestic abuse
and its impact on mental health. The issue of domestic violence is addressed in the National Strategy
to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, 2010-2022, with a focus on the mental health
and well-being of victims (Australian Government Department of Social Services, n.d.).

The government has expanded financing for domestic abuse survivors' access to mental health care.
As a result of the trauma they have experienced, survivors of domestic abuse may need specialised
support in order to recover and avoid additional injury. As a result, the government should make sure
that people who have survived domestic violence have easy access to and financial support for mental
health services. This includes ensuring that mental health support services, such counselling, therapy,
and support groups, are integrated into domestic violence response programmes and receiving
increased financing (AGDSS, 2021).

The government may also do more to reduce domestic violence by investing in programmes and
projects that focus on prevention. Healthy relationship education, communication skills training, and
promotion of gender equality are all topics that could form the basis of prevention initiatives.
Affordable housing, financial aid, and vocational education and training are just a few examples of
government policies and programmes that contribute to economic stability. Domestic violence can be
prevented in part by these efforts to alleviate financial and social strains (MN, 2021).

Finally, the government increases domestic violence and mental health programme coordination and
integration. This entails creating cross-sector partnerships between health, justice, and community
services and making them accessible and responsive to survivors. A national plan coordinates federal
and state initiatives and ensures evidence-based, trauma-informed, and successful policy responses
(MHC, 2020).

Current running Program for future prospective:

The "Safe at Home" programme is an effort in Tasmania that is supported by the state government
and is aimed at aiding victims of family violence and preventing domestic violence from occuring in
the first place.

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The programme offers a variety of services, such as emergency housing, counselling, and practical
support in the form of assistance with obtaining legal orders and gaining access to financial assistance,
among other things. Additionally, it offers a helpline that anyone can call anytime, day or night, in
order to receive assistance or counsel.

The "Safe at Home" initiative takes a holistic approach to combating domestic violence, understanding
that it is not just an issue pertaining to the criminal justice system, but also an issue pertaining to the
public health system. As a result of this, it collaborates with a wide variety of other agencies and
organisations, such as suppliers of health services and educational opportunities as well as community
organisations.

Since its inception in 2004, this programme has been actively implemented with the goal of lowering
the number of cases of domestic abuse that occur in Tasmania. The Tasmanian Government has
committed an additional $18 million over the course of four years, beginning in 2021, in order to
broaden the scope of the programme and increase the number of people it helps.

In conclusion, domestic violence is a complicated social problem that calls for a response that is multi-
pronged and well-coordinated on the part of communities, governments, and organisations that
provide services. The government has taken a number of measures to combat domestic violence and to
promote mental health and wellbeing. These measures include increasing funding for mental health
services, giving prevention programmes higher priority, responding to the requirements of
marginalised communities, and improving service coordination and integration. We can ensure that all
individuals, families, and communities in Australia have the opportunity to live free from domestic
abuse and to have good mental health and wellbeing if we work together and take a holistic approach.
This will require us to take a comprehensive strategy (The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,
2021).

Reference List:

Australian Government Department of Health. (2020). Mental health. Retrieved from

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health

Lloyd, J. E., & Dwyer, J. (2021). The role of Australian governments in addressing social issues: A
case study of homelessness. Australian Journal of Community Work, 1(1), 67-77.
https://www.acwa.org.au/ajcw/volume-1-issue-1/article-7/

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Australian Journal of Community Work. (2021). Mental health and domestic violence: An analysis of
Commonwealth State arrangements in Australia. ProQuest.
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2499065099

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2017). Personal Safety Survey, Australia, 2016. Retrieved from
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/personal-safety-australia/latest-release

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2021). Family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia.
Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/domestic-violence/family-domestic-sexual-violence-
australia-2018/contents/summary

O'Donoghue, B., Roeger, L., Mellor, D., & Martin, P. (2019). Stepped care for psychological
therapies: Perspectives from Australian service providers. Australian and New Zealand Journal of
Psychiatry, 53(11), 1102-1111. doi: 10.1177/0004867419867007

Australian Government Department of Social Services. (n.d.). National plan to reduce violence against
women and their children 2010-2022. Retrieved from https://www.dss.gov.au/women/programs-
services/reducing-violence/the-national-plan-to-reduce-violence-against-women-and-their-children-
2010-2022

Australian Government Department of Social Services. (2021). Domestic and Family Violence.
https://www.dss.gov.au/families-and-children/domestic-and-family-violence

Australian Government Department of Health. (2021). Mental Health.

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health

National Mental Health Commission. (2020). Mentally healthy communities.

https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/our-work/mentally-healthy-communities

Australian Government Department of Social Services. (2021). Safe at Home Family Violence
Response and Referral Service. Retrieved from
https://www.dss.gov.au/women/programs-services/domestic-and-family-violence-program/safe-at-
home-family-violence-response-and-referral-service

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2021). Family, domestic and sexual violence in
Australia. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/domestic-violence/family-domestic-sexual-violence-
australia-2018/summary