One in four women in rural areas will experience domestic violence, according to research which had anti-violence campaigner George Broome concerned.
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Dr Gina Dillon, from the School of Rural Medicine at the University of New England, found country women were more likely to report having experienced partner violence, compared to women living in cities.
Using data from more than 7000 women, aged between 32 and 40, Dr Dillon found 26 per cent of women in rural and remote areas reported having been in a violent relationship with a partner or spouse at some time in their adult life.
Mr Broome said it was important for people to stand up and say “no”.
“Friends and family need to watch out for each other and say something if they suspect violence is occurring,” Mr Broome said.
“Even if it’s just reminding people that violence is not ok, your words might make a difference.
“You never know when one day it could be too late.”
The study showed a history of partner abuse was also linked to women having difficulty managing their income, lower levels of education and having poor levels of social support.
Dr Dillon said experiencing partner abuse could have serious long-term physical and mental health effects.
“These effects can remain for a long time even after the abuse has ceased, with increased problems related to depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder,” she said.
Emotional abuse was the most common form reported, with 12.5 per cent of surveyed women reporting an incident involving their their partner in the past 12 months.
Mr Broome said shame was often a reason why women didn’t seek help, but they weren’t the ones who should feel ashamed.
“The perpetrators will try to bring their self-esteem down,” he said.
“They’re the ones who should be ashamed, not the victims.”
1800 Respect - the National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service - can be reached on 1800 737 732.