User:Mozart/Issues in domestic violence

Victims
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or sex or gender identity. Research by Eleanora Dal Grande et al indicates that the overall prevalence of domestic violence was 17.8% in 2003, including physically violent and abusive relationships as well as emotionally abusive relationships. 22.9% of all women and 12.1% of all men have experienced domestic violence. Approximately 44.9% of female victims and 23.8% of male victims experience physical hurt. Physical injuries (including bruising, cuts, scratches and burns) are experienced almost equally by men and women, there is a marked gender divergence as the injuries increase in severity: 19.9% of female victims experience fractures or broken bones compared to just under 0.8% of male victims. An examination of homicides by Patricia Easteal reveals that between 1989 and 1991, approximately 80% of homicides where the victim and perpetrator were intimate sexual partners were committed by men. Domestic violence is primarily ongoing abuse rather than isolated incidents.

According to Dal Grande et al's study, victims are generally unlikely to to use prescribed medications to cope with domestic violence (19.9%), but women are more likely to (25.4%) compared to men (7.1%). On the other hand, 15.1% of victims will use alcohol or non-prescribed drugs to cope, men being more likely (19.2%) compared to women (13.3%). Most victims will not contact the police (82% total; 91.9% male; 77.4% female), non-health services (72.4% total; 81.6% male; 68.5% female) or health services (72.1% total; 73.9% male; 71.3% female) for assistance or treatment. The main reasons for not using either non-health or health services was that victims felt they did not want or need help, that the issue was too minor, that too much time had elapsed since the incident, or that they were simply unaware of the services.

LGBT+ victims
Research suggests that instances of domestic violence within LGBT+ relationships occur at approximately the same rate as heterosexual relationships. Lack of acceptance and recognition of LGBT+ communities within broader society trivialises and heightens the harms caused by domestic violence in such relationships. Elizabeth Broderick suggests that approaches to domestic violence in these relationships should aim to increase awareness among the LGBT+ community of where victims can seek help, provide adequate and ongoing funding and resources to ensure inclusion of LGBT+ communities, and inclusive implementation of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children.