Financial Stress Linked to Increased Violence
The National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin, today warned that economic and global uncertainty creates heightened risk for domestic, family, and sexual violence in Australia. She stated, “We know that when households face rising financial stress, housing insecurity, and instability, the risk of violence increases.”
Financial stress and housing insecurity contribute significantly to violence within households. These conditions often lead to individuals experiencing violence for the first time. “We also know that people are likely to experience violence for the first time in times of crisis like this,” Commissioner Cronin said. Governments must ensure that services are supported to respond to these challenges.
Commissioner Cronin is actively working with the Australian Government to ensure that domestic, family, and sexual violence is monitored and addressed as part of the response to the current crisis. “I am aware the Australian Government is monitoring for any increases in domestic, family and sexual violence prevalence in national services since the fuel crisis began,” she mentioned.
Government Monitoring Essential
She called on all Australian governments to prioritise women and children’s safety as part of their broader economic responses. “I urge governments to focus on women and children’s safety as a core part of the broader response to the economic environment,” Commissioner Cronin emphasised. “Domestic, family and sexual violence is not a siloed women’s issue. It is an economic and national resilience issue.”
Commissioner Cronin highlighted the role of economic policy in violence prevention. She explained that government decisions on tax, housing, income support, cost-of-living relief, and industrial policy shape household pressures. “When those decisions are made without a domestic, family and sexual violence lens, risk can rise in ways that are foreseeable and avoidable,” she added.
Community awareness of the increased risks of violence is crucial. People experiencing violence often disclose first to trusted friends and family. “Being heard and believed is the first critical step to safety,” Commissioner Cronin noted. This support is vital, especially when individuals face greater barriers to leaving violent situations.
Commissioner Cronin will continue to engage with frontline services to understand any changes to community safety. She will work with the government to ensure a coordinated effort to address these issues effectively. “I will continue to engage with frontline services to understand any changes to community safety and work with the government to ensure a coordinated effort,” she concluded.
Last updated: 24 April 2026, 12:34 am
