Violence Against Women in Australia Who Inject Drugs

"In a cohort of Australian women who inject drugs, most experienced violence: 82% experienced at least 1 assault in their lifetime, and well over one-third (38%) experienced at least 1 sexual assault; these rates are roughly double those reported among women in the general population for violence (39%) and sexual violence (22%).²² In addition, they exceed rates of violence reported among Australian women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (33%), women with a disability (64%), and LGBTIQA+ people (65%), populations formally recognized for their increased risk and burden of violence.¹³ Only one-third of women who experienced violence sought health care after assault despite almost 1 in 4 presenting to the ED with suspected assault and 1 in 5 hospitalized during the study period. Sexual assault and child removal were associated with higher likelihood of seeking health care. Qualitative findings identified several barriers to accessing care after violence, including drug-related stigma, repeated disclosure, lack of a trusted GP, and practical barriers such as no telephone or transport. These findings highlight that women who inject drugs should be recognized in Australia’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children and for targeted, responsive support to address the substantial harms they have experienced.¹³ Without recognition and targeted support for women at highest risk, efforts to reduce violence against women are unlikely to succeed."