Families bear hidden costs of finding safety
Led by La Trobe University, the research sheds light on a largely overlooked question in response to family violence: What does it cost families to become safe?
A new study conducted by researchers at La Trobe University reveals the hidden costs families face when seeking safety after encountering family violence. Led by Dr. Jennifer McIntosh from the Bouverie Centre, the research surveyed 416 parents during their initial year of involvement with the Australian family courts and analyzed expenses related to legal services, healthcare, counseling, well-being, and physical security.
The findings, published in the Journal of Family Violence, indicate that parents collectively spent an average of $41,041 on out-of-pocket expenses within that year. While some families experienced relatively minor financial burdens, others faced significant costs, particularly for legal services. Beyond legal fees, the study uncovered that safety often requires substantial private expenditure, including healthcare, counseling, and security measures.
Mothers were found to bear the greatest responsibility for security and healthcare costs, whereas fathers incurred higher expenses for legal and mediation services. Notably, the amount of spending on counseling for both parents and children was strongly linked to enhanced safety during the study period. Dr. McIntosh emphasizes the importance of prioritizing therapeutic support in investments aimed at helping families achieve safety, noting that children's insights can expedite the change process when their concerns are heard.
The research also underscores the need for better access to counseling services and support for families experiencing violence, as well as questions about whether the financial burden of achieving safety is disproportionately shouldered by affected parents. Dr. McIntosh stresses that safety is an ongoing process that requires resources, and understanding which resources are most effective in sustaining safety should be a key focus of responses to family violence.
Further research is needed to determine which forms of spending most effectively contribute to long-term safety and how public investment can alleviate the financial strain on families impacted by violence.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
