Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately affected by family and domestic violence.
In 2021-22, Indigenous women aged 15 and over were 33 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-Indigenous women. Indigenous men were 27 times more likely than non-Indigenous men.
The number of Indigenous people hospitalised due to family violence in 2021-22 was 3,100 (2,400 women and 740 men). Similar numbers of non-Indigenous Australians were hospitalised by family violence, but Indigenous Australians represent just 3.8% of the population.
Hospitalisation rates due to family violence are higher in remote and very remote areas, and Indigenous families also risk having their children removed by the state if they ask for help.
According to new data released this week, Indigenous people are disproportionately the victims of homicide. The homicide victimisation rates for both Indigenous men and women are about seven times higher than non-Indigenous Australians of the same sex.
“Family violence” covers violence among extended family and community, and is the preferred term within Indigenous communities. The hospitalisations data comes from the AIHW National Hospital Morbidity Database.
• In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women’s Aid. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org
