Violence against women and mental health 

Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a major contributor to disease burden (the impact of illness, disability and premature death) among Australian women, with mental health conditions making up the largest proportion of this DFV burden. Research has found that mental health intersects with DFV in complex ways. Mental ill health can be brought on by DFV, can compound the effects of DFV, can act as a barrier to reporting or accessing support during or after DFV, or can be used as a tool against women by perpetrators of DFV.
Drawing from the evidence base, the expert panel explored this nuanced issue and discussed a move towards a collaborative approach to mental health policy and practice. The discussion was facilitated by Michele Robinson, Director of Evidence to Action, ANROWS with:
Professor Kelsey Hegarty, University of Melbourne
Carmel O’Brien OAM, Counselling Psychologist, Psychrespect
Fiona, representative with lived experience, WEAVERs, University of Melbourne
Dr Sabin Fernbacher, Consultant
For more information about this topic please see the ANROWS research synthesis ‘Violence against women and mental health’ available on the ANROWS website.
This webinar is designed for:
policymakers, practice design decision makers, practitioners and researchers working in domestic and family violence, mental health and other health services.