Scott,
The problem is extreme in indigenous communities.
Intimate partner violence
Indigenous women are more likely to experience this type of violence than any other population group (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,
Citation2018, p. 83). Available national data tells us that despite comprising less than 3% of the population, Indigenous women have consistently experienced higher rates of homicide compared to non-Indigenous women since 2005–2006, with the average rate being eight times higher than non-Indigenous women (AIC,
Citation2022). Further, national data on unsolved missing persons cases highlights that Indigenous women represent up to 10% of cases, with many being presumed dead (Collard,
Citation2019). Moreover, when compared to non-Indigenous women, Indigenous women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised for assault-related injuries (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,
Citation2018, p. 83). However, it should be noted that in some jurisdictions the rates of violence and homicide are far greater. For example, in the Northern Territory, the Indigenous victimisation rate is approximately 18 times higher than in any other jurisdiction, and homicide rates are also disproportionately higher, given the isolation that comes with being in a state largely defined by remoteness (Kerr, Whyte, & Strang,
Citation2017; Lloyd,
Citation2014; Lackey,
Citation2018).
