Why domestic violence has been labelled the shadow pandemic

In 2020, UN Secretary General António G. referred to a “horrifying global surge” in domestic violence. Helplines and shelters across the world reported a rise in demand for support as lockdowns, economic and social stresses placed on households resulted in what the UN labelled a shadow pandemic. 

More than 2 million Australians have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a partner, according to official data which also revealed 3.6 million Australians have experienced emotional abuse from a partner. But as psychologist and Nyamal woman Dr Tracy Westerman writes for ABC News, the stats for the Indigenous community are far worse, with Aboriginal women 11 times more likely to die due to domestic assault than non-Indigenous women. 

Women in violent relationships face a 50% chance of living in poverty if they leave, while 60% of domestic violence survivors report experiencing cashflow problems. But the cost of domestic and family violence is not only to individuals but to society, businesses and the economy. In NSW alone, domestic and family violence is expected to cost the economy $3.3 billion by 2025 and result in higher rates of alcohol and drug use, and mental health problems.

Each year on R U OK? Day, Australia shines a spotlight on mental health in a bid to prioritise wellbeing, to help reduce stigma and to start a conversation with those who may need support. This year, the R U OK? Day campaign message is 'No qualifications needed' to remind Australians they already have what it takes to support their family, friends and colleagues.

A simple conversation or message can help us recognise that a co-worker may be in trouble as well as identifying ways to offer support and connect them with professionals and resources.

Recognising those who use their platform to build community and drive meaningful conversations about mental health all year round, LinkedIn News Australia has launched Top Voices in Mental Health, a curation of 15 must-follow thought leaders in Australia who are sharing strategies for managing stress, smashing the stigma around therapy, as well as speaking up on issues such as domestic violence and living with trauma.

Sharing her article on the signs of coercive control and emotional abuse in relationships to LinkedIn, Top Voice Westerman writes, “If we save one person from the pain of this time of abuse, that’s why I’ve written it.”

Mental health advocate Paul Milne posts to LinkedIn about the implications of living with PTSD. While acknowledging the negative emotions and unwanted memories that come with surviving trauma, the LinkedIn Top Voice honouree also notes, “Some of the strongest people I’ve met have PTSD.”

“Tap yourself on your shoulder. You are where you are right now because of your strength, determination and courage,” says Milne. 

Check out LinkedIn Top Voices: Mental Health in Australia and hit follow to see more of their content in your feed

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Zoe Condliffe founded tech startup She's A Crowd in 2018. The social enterprise aims to make cities safer for women and gender diverse people by collecting crowdsourced data from people who are harassed or abused on the streets, and encouraging survivors to share their stories.

More than 100,000 people have shared their experiences on her platform. She's A Crowd then uses this data to work with decision-makers and businesses who are looking to improve safety outcomes for women and gender diverse people in their communities.

Earlier this year, Condliffe was named a LinkedIn Top Voice in Social Impact. Check out the video below to hear more about the She's A Crowd's mission.

Something for you

A survivor of domestic and family violence, Jo Mason co-founded WorkHaven to motivate and support workplaces to take a meaningful approach to reduce the impact of violence and to support staff affected by it. 

In a recent post, the LinkedIn Top Voice in Social Impact celebrates seven years since moving out of domestic violence and into a new life where she is “happy, fulfilled and confident”.

Reporting by: Cathy Anderson, Marty McCarthy, Brendan Wong