Page 3174 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 12 September 1990
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been hidden behind closed doors. Thousands of women and children have suffered physical and mental abuse in their own homes and have suffered in silence.
Research conducted under the national domestic violence education program has shown that one in five Australians condone the use of physical force by a man against his partner. One in three Australians regard domestic violence as a private family matter in which the community as a whole has no responsibility. But, Mr Speaker, who is it who picks up the pieces after a domestic violence incident? Generally, it is the community.
What are we talking about when we talk about domestic violence? Domestic violence can take many forms. Many women live with the constant threat of violence; many endure the obvious physical acts of hitting, pushing, kicking and choking. Physiological and emotional abuse can involve threats, harassment or denigration of the person. In most cases the effects of domestic violence are many and lasting. A person who has suffered domestic violence will often lose their self-esteem and their self-worth.
Debate interrupted.
ADJOURNMENT
MR SPEAKER: Order! It being 4.30 pm, I propose the question:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Mr Collaery: I require the question to be put forthwith without debate.
Question resolved in the negative.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL (NO. 2) 1990
Debate resumed.
MS MAHER: Sadly, sexual abuse is also often part of the domestic violence cycle. Our policy on the status of women states that women and children are more likely than men to be victims of criminal assault, particularly domestic violence, sexual abuse and street violence. The Alliance Government has a strong commitment to promoting the safety of women and children in our community and to providing ongoing community education programs. Today the Alliance Government has taken a further step to prevent domestic violence by extending the current ACT domestic violence legislation. The amendments bring our legislation into line with New South Wales.
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