Australia: Study Finds Domestic Violence Victims Suffer Long Term Financial and Mental Harm

Women survivors of domestic violence often do not regain the same quality of life they had prior to suffering abuse, according to a national study conducted by the University of South Australia and Curtin University. The study found that domestic violence severely impacts victims’ ability to hold a job and to secure adequate housing. The study authors added that, “[w]omen’s social isolation during domestic violence is also starkly evident.” Nearly half of the 658 women surveyed said they had to make a “significant move” because of domestic violence, either to another Australian state or a foreign country. 

Compiled fromDomestic violence: Victims unable to keep jobs, regain mental health, Perth Now Sunday Times (May 5, 2015).