ABSTRACT
Considering the frequency with which reference is made in the media to domestic violence, and the statistic that on average one woman dies every week in Australia as a result of such violence (Bryant and Cussen, 2015), it seems reasonable to believe that the phenomenon is a modern-day epidemic. In fact, the media focus represents the public recognition of the previously hidden but long-standing reality of domestic violence. It is now well accepted that, “Domestic and family violence is a crime. It includes any behaviour, in an intimate or family relationship, which is violent, threatening, coercive or controlling, causing a person to live in fear” (NSW Ministry of Health, 2016: p.2). Domestic violence is intimidating and abusive, and can include physical, sexual and psychological violence, verbal and emotional abuse, social or spiritual isolation, and financial deprivation.
