New research has found that women experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic are 3 times more likely to experience domestic violence. Surveying 10,000 women across the country, Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) says one in 3 women have experienced some form of economic hardship thanks to COVID. It found “clear evidence” that financial stress was linked to the onset and escalation of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, with women in that situation “much more likely” to experience abuse for the first time. The research also found female breadwinners are 1.5 times more likely to experience abuse due to “attitudes that support traditional gender norms”. ANROWS boss Padma Raman said improving women’s economic security is the priority.

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