Early exposure, lasting harm: how childhood shapes the risk of violence against women

Knowing and Doing: 50 Years of Change in the DFV Sector

Fifty years after the first women's refuge opened in Sydney, the Australian domestic and family violence sector looks very different – but the gap between what we know works to prevent violence and what is actually funded, implemented and reaching the people who need it most remains stubbornly wide. In this episode of CEVAW Conversations, host Siân Human speaks with Delia Donovan (CEO, Domestic Violence NSW) and Dr Vincent Hurley (Macquarie University; former NSW Policeofficer). Between them, they trace the evolution of the DFV sector from two very different vantage points – the service system and the institution of policing – exploring the milestones and the people who drove them, the plansthat haven't been enacted, and what it actually takes to turn evidence into action. This episode covers the women's refuge movement and the birth of DV NSW; how policing culture and practice has changed since the 1980s; new legislation like coercive control and what itmeans in practice; the gap between national plans and frontline funding; prevention versus crisis response and why it's a false choice; and what it looks like to take evidence directly to young people. CEVAW Conversations is a podcast by the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, produced at Monash University. Episodes explore how research and evidence translate into real-world practice and policy change. Support Services: * Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life * 1800RESPECT [http://www.1800respect.org.au/] call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 * 13 YARN [https://www.13yarn.org.au/] call 13 92 76, crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples * Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline [https://fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services/rainbowviolenceandabusesupport] call 1800 497 212 * Full Stop Australia [https://fullstop.org.au/contact-us] 1800 385 578 * Men’s Referral Service [https://ntv.org.au/mrs/] call 1300 766 491 * Find international help [https://findahelpline.com/] * National Alcohol and Other Drug [https://adf.org.au/help-support/] Hotline 1800 250 015

Early exposure, lasting harm: how childhood shapes the risk of violence against women

About this episode Early exposure causes lasting harm. It's a finding that runs through a growing body of violence prevention research – and in this episode, we bring together three researchers who are mapping exactly how that works, and why our responses haven't kept pace.   Phil Doan Pham is a PhD candidate at CEVAW whose research uses historical data from the Vietnam War to trace a striking pattern: women exposed to intense bombing during childhood were significantly more likely, decades later, to justify intimate partner violence against themselves.   Dr Revathi Krishna is a CEVAW research fellow at Monash University's School of Public Health. Her longitudinal study follows young people in Fiji and Vietnam – before many of them have experienced intimate partner violence – to understandhow early experiences accumulate into risk or resilience across the life course.   With Professor Cameron Parsell from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, we ask the harder question: if violence against women is a long-term, structural problem that begins in childhood and echoesacross decades, why haven't our responses matched what the evidence demands?His answer is honest – ending domestic and family violence would require fundamental changes to how society is organised around gender, employment, and power. Not everyone agrees those changes should happen. And when things go wrong, we tend to blame an underfunded sector rather than confront thatstructural reality. Phil's research looks back. Revathi's looks forward. Cameron asks why we're still not doing enough with what we know. Together, they make a case for responses that are more ambitious, more structural, and go further than anything we've built so far. CEVAW Conversations is a podcast by the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Learn more at cevaw.org [https://cevaw.org/]   Guests * Phil Doan Pham  –  PhD Candidate, CEVAW, Curtin University * Dr Revathi Krishna  –  Research Fellow, CEVAW, Monash University * Professor Cameron Parsell – Chief Investigator, Life Course Centre, University of Queensland Support Services: * Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life * 1800RESPECT [http://www.1800respect.org.au/] call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 * 13 YARN [https://www.13yarn.org.au/] call 13 92 76, crisissupport line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples * Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline [https://fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services/rainbowviolenceandabusesupport] call 1800 497 212 * Men’s Referral Service [https://ntv.org.au/mrs/] call 1300 766 491 * Find international help [https://findahelpline.com/] * National Alcohol and Other Drug [https://adf.org.au/help-support/] Hotline1800 250 015 Further reading: * Doan-Pham, P., Mavisakalyan, A., & True, J. (2026). The long-term relationship between war and attitudes toward domestic violence: Evidence from Vietnam. Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, 122, 102567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socec.2026.102567 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socec.2026.102567] * Kuskoff, E., Mols, H., & Parsell, C. (2026). Examining risk and victim agency in bystander interventions in intimate partner violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605251408135 [https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605251408135] * Kuskoff, E., & Parsell, C. (2024). Global expectations for bystander intervention in domestic violence: A scoping review of governmental policies and community resources in eight countries. Journal of Family Violence, 41(2), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-024-00759-z [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-024-00759-z] * Kuskoff, E., & Parsell, C. (2023). Bystander intervention in intimate partner violence: A scoping review of experiences and outcomes. Trauma, Violence and Abuse, 25(3), 1793–1813. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231195886 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-024-00759-z]

From the Ground Up: Community-led Approaches to Violence Prevention

Who leads violence prevention work, and how?‘Community-led’ has become a buzzword, but what does it actually mean in practice? In this episode, we explore three distinct models of community-driven prevention work, each operating at a different scale but sharing core principles. Dixie Link-Gordon brings 38 years of experience working in the Redfern Aboriginal community, where prevention happens in face-to-face conversations, built on trust and connection. Dr Zoe Bell shares how the Australian Rohingya Women's Development Organisation creates protective factors and resistance within displacement, statelessness, and temporary protection. And Dr Jenny Anderson explains the Respect Ballarat saturation model – a government-funded initiative attempting to coordinate prevention activities across an entire city of 120,000 people whilst genuinely partnering with community. From yarns on the street to women-only safe spaces to city-wide coordination, these three guests reveal what community ownership actually requires: time, trust, meeting people where they're at, and understanding that communities can only do so much when operating within structural constraints. The principles hold across every scale: communities define the need, shape the solution, and own the work. Our job is to support that, not replace it.   Guests: * Dixie Link-Gordon, Aunty-in-residence, Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC [https://www.wagec.org.au/]) * Dr Zoe Bell, CEVAW Research Fellow, ANU * Dr Jenny Anderson, Respect Victoria Support Services: * Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life * 1800RESPECT [http://www.1800respect.org.au/] call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 * 13 YARN [https://www.13yarn.org.au/] call 13 92 76, crisissupport line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples * Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline [https://fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services/rainbowviolenceandabusesupport] call 1800 497 212 * Men’s Referral Service [https://ntv.org.au/mrs/] call 1300 766 491 * Find international help [https://findahelpline.com/] * National Alcohol and Other Drug [https://adf.org.au/help-support/] Hotline 1800 250 015 Further reading: * Respect Ballarat [https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/respect-ballarat] * Reducing and preventing violence against women: global evidence review | Respect Victoria [https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/meQICGvmpxhWyOPlph7hgHB3N-n?domain=respectvictoria.vic.gov.au] * Breaking Silent Codes [https://www.breakingsilentcodes.com.au/] * Hey Sis [https://rlc.org.au/news-and-media/news/hey-sis-weve-got-your-back] * Full Stop Australia [https://fullstop.org.au/] * Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC [https://www.wagec.org.au/]) * Australian Rohingya Women's Development Organisation [https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/FTHUCQnzDmsB426w5fxfVHGj8G7?domain=arwdo.org] * Canterbury City Community Centre | 4Cs [https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ioYdCWLJMvFzwMjnAtns2HokDP0?domain=4cs.org.au] * HOME | Jannawi Family Centre [https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/k21lCYWLOxhkon3yzfZuQHxUv-T?domain=jannawi.org.au] Meeras Pavilion:  * Meeras Pavilion | Médecins Sans Frontières Australia | Doctors Without Borders [https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/k1nYCROAEnsnPMr3AINhKH15_Kn?domain=msf.org.au] * Meeras Pavilion – Creative Advocacy Partnership [https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/0bJrC91ZVBSRY3zr5uEhDuqoRsD?domain=creativeadvocacypartnership.org] * The Taro Leaf Symbol – Creative Advocacy Partnership [https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/tV2YC0YZJpCJrokYRf2iJu9Idjc?domain=creativeadvocacypartnership.org] * Atallah, D. G. 2017. A Community-Based Qualitative Study of Intergenerational Resilience with Palestinian Refugee Families Facing Structural Violence and Historical Trauma. Transcultural psychiatry, vol. 54, no. 3, p. 357-383. * Warria, A. & Chikadzi, V. 2022. Statelessness, Trauma and Mental Well-Being: Implication for Practice, Research and Advocacy. African Human Mobility Review, vol. 8, no. 3, p. 41-55. *  James, K. 2010. Domestic Violence within Refugee Families: Intersecting Patriarchal Culture and the Refugee Experience. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, vol. 31, no. 3, p. 275-284. * Fisher, C. 2013. Changed and Changing Gender and Family Roles and Domestic Violence in African Refugee Background Communities Post-Settlement in Perth,Australia. Violence Against Women, vol. 19, no. 7, p. 833-847. *  Banerjee, P., Chacko, S. & Piya, B. 2020. Paradoxes of Being and Becoming South Asian Single Mothers: The Enclave Economy, Patriarchy, and Migration. Women, gender, and families of color, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 5-39 *  Sultana, A. 2010. Patriarchy and Women S Subordination: A Theoretical Analysis. Arts Faculty Journal, vol. 4, no. 1, p. 1-18

Hidden Tactics of Domestic Violence: Substance Use Coercion

In this episode we sit down with researchers and practitioners to explore the complex intersection of substance use, coercion, and family violence. Monique Yeoman from Kids First Australia and Emma Shaw from Odyssey Victoria join us alongside academics Professor Cathy Humphreys and Van Callaly from the University of Melbourne and CEVAW to unpack how alcohol and other drugs can be weaponised as tools of control in abusive relationships. The conversation moves beyond traditional understandings of substance abuse to examine how alcohol and drugs become instruments of coercive control - used by perpetrators to extend abuse and violence. Through real-world examples from clinical practice, the panel illustrates what substance use coercion looks like in families' everyday lives and why it presents unique challenges for practitioners working to keep children and families safe. This episode offers crucial insights for anyone working in child and family services, domestic violence support, or substance use treatment, highlighting the importance of recognising these patterns and responding with informed, trauma-sensitive approaches. To hear more from these guests about this topic, please watch the WorkUP SPARK webinar, Strengthening Queensland’s Response to Substance Use Coercion: https://workupqld.org.au/resource-hub-develop-the-workforce/#workshop-videos [https://workupqld.org.au/resource-hub-develop-the-workforce/#workshop-videos] Guests * Monique Yeoman, General Manager, Child Youth and Family Services, Kids First Australia * Emma Shaw, Clinical Manager Child, Youth and Families, Odyssey Victoria * Professor Cathy Humphreys, CEVAW Chief Investigator, The University of Melbourne * Van Callaly, CEVAW Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Support services * Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life * 1800RESPECT [http://www.1800respect.org.au/] call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 * 13 YARN [https://www.13yarn.org.au/] call 13 92 76, crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples * Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline [https://fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services/rainbowviolenceandabusesupport]call 1800 497 212 * Men’s Referral Service [https://ntv.org.au/mrs/] call 1300 766 491 * Find international help [https://findahelpline.com/] * National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline [https://adf.org.au/help-support/] 1800 250 015 Further reading * Mayshak, R., Curtis, A., Coomber, K., Tonner, L., Walker, A., Hyder, S., Liknaitzky, P., & Miller, P. (2022). Alcohol-Involved Family and Domestic Violence Reported to Police in Australia. Journal of interpersonal violence, 37(3-4), NP1658–NP1685. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520928633 [https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520928633] * KODY Caring Dads - https://www.kidsfirstaustralia.org.au/program/the-kody-project/ [https://www.kidsfirstaustralia.org.au/program/the-kody-project/] * Respectful Relationships and the Caring Dads Program - https://odyssey.org.au/respectful-relationships-and-the-caring-dads-program/ [https://odyssey.org.au/respectful-relationships-and-the-caring-dads-program/]

Dismantling Patriarchy in the Pews: A 20-Year Study on Faith and Violence

Content note: This episode discusses domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. What does it take for an institution to honestly examine how it responds to gender-based violence? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research commissioned by the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide – a rare longitudinal study comparing clergy and church workers' responses to disclosures of abuse across 20 years. Siân Human speaks with: * Professor Sarah Wendt, Professor of Social Work, University of Melbourne * Dr Josephine Clarke, Research Fellow, University of Melbourne * Reverend Canon Dr Joan Riley, Principal of Saint Barnabas College, Anglican Diocese of Adelaide * Sharon Lockwood, Survivors’ Advocate, Anglican Diocese of Adelaide Together, they discuss what the research revealed: significant improvements in responding to child abuse, but persistent gaps in addressing adult sexual assault and domestic violence. The conversation explores the unique strengths of pastoral care, the challenges of addressing gender inequality in religious contexts, and the cultural transformation needed to truly support survivors. From the misuse of scripture to keep women in violent relationships, to the ‘Ten Commitments’ making domestic violence prevention and response visible in churches – this episode doesn't shy away from difficult truths. But it's ultimately a story of courage, partnership, and the possibility of change. Topics covered: * Longitudinal research methodology and partnership with faith communities * The role of pastoral care in addressing self-blame and spiritual harm * Gender inequality as inseparable from violence prevention * Training gaps and implementation challenges * Dismantling patriarchal structures in religious institutions * Measuring progress and planning for the future The researchers are now exploring faith-based pastoral care practices through the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), continuing this vital work across different faith contexts. Support services: * Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life * Kids Helpline [https://kidshelpline.com.au/] 1800 55 1800 * 1800RESPECT [http://www.1800respect.org.au/] call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 * 13 YARN [https://www.13yarn.org.au/]call 13 92 76, crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples * Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline [https://fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services/rainbowviolenceandabusesupport]call 1800 497 212 * Men’s Referral Service [https://ntv.org.au/mrs/] call 1300 766 491 * Find international help [https://findahelpline.com/] Further reading: * Main report discussed in episode: Wendt, S., & Clarke, J. (2024). A study into the experiences of clergy and church workers in the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide when responding to abuse of children, sexual assault of adults, and domestic and family violence. Final report June 2024. University of Melbourne. https://doi.org/10.26188/26316742 [https://doi.org/10.26188/26316742 ] * The 2005 Morrison Report can be found here (scroll down) https://adelaideanglicans.com/reports/ [https://adelaideanglicans.com/reports/] Other related research: * 'Religion and domestic violence: Exploring men’s perpetration. Report on research findings for the Lutheran Church of Australia.' https://doi.org/10.25957/x33r-ev14 [https://doi.org/10.25957/x33r-ev14] * Wendt, S., Clarke, J., & Mayer, W. (2024). Exploring Christian Lutheran theological framings that shape men’s perpetration of domestic violence through pastor perspectives. Journal of Gender Studies, 34(7), 928–941. https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2024.2377635 [https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2024.2377635] * Clarke, J., Wendt, S., & Mayer, W. (2024). Exploring the Theological Context to Domestic and Family Violence. Violence Against Women, 10778012241254849. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012241254849 [https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012241254849] * Clarke, J., Wendt, S., & Mayer, W. (2025). Theological arguments framing violence against women: Context, cause and the gendered impacts of scriptural priorities. Women's Studies International Forum, 111, 103102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2025.103102 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2025.103102]