These alarming statistics from the
WA Police website reflect a nationwide trend which indicates the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with the onset or escalation of violence and abuse against women.
While the pandemic did exacerbate stress, financial pressures, family disruption, and social isolation – these factors do not cause violence against women.
Research shows that violence against women is driven by gender inequality, which is why it is important to look at not just rates of violence against women, but also how the pandemic impacted on women’s economic independence (such as employment) and women’s lives in the home.
The top five suburbs most impacted in our community highlight that family and domestic violence occurs in all cultures; to people of all ages; all socio-economic groups; and all education levels and professions.
It should also be noted that these figures don't show an accurate portrayal of family and domestic violence incidents of which ‘assault’ is only one component.