While the dominant pattern of domestic and family violence (DFV) is male violence perpetrated against women, there are some women who use force against adult members of their families. The majority of these women are themselves victims/survivors of DFV. At times women are wrongly identified as the perpetrator or seen as having responsibility in mutual violence.

This project is developing the Australian knowledge base about women who use force in a family context, and appropriate service responses. 

Researchers:

• Dr Margaret Kertesz (University of Melbourne)
• Professor Cathy Humphreys (University of Melbourne)
• Jasmin Isobe (University of Melbourne)
• Dr Anneliese Spiteri-Staines (University of Melbourne)
• Dr Georgia Ovenden (University of Melbourne)
• Lisa Young Larance (University of Michigan)
• Professor Donna Chung (Curtin University)
• Professor Robyn Martin (RMIT)
• Amy Warren (Curtin University)
• Assoc. Professor Richard Norman (Curtin University)
• Darcee Schulze (Curtin University)
• Dr Dave Vicary (Baptcare)

Funders:

• Department of Social Services
• Baptcare

Partners: Curtin University, Baptcare, Berry Street

Project Dates: 2018–2021

Contact: Margaret Kertesz

Publications:

• Kertesz, M., Humphreys, C., Larance, L. Y., Vicary, D., Spiteri-Staines, A., & Ovenden, G. (2019). Working with women who use force: a feasibility study protocol of the Positive (+) SHIFT group work programme in Australia. BMJ Open, 9(5), e027496.
• Kertesz, M., Ovenden, G., & Humphreys, C. (2019). Independent Evaluation of +SHIFT at Tarrengower Prison. Melbourne: University of Melbourne.
• Kertesz, M., Humphreys, C., Ovenden, G., Spiteri-Staines, A.  (2020) Women who use force: Final Report. Volume 1 – Executive Summary, Positive Shift Program, Evaluation of Positive Shift, and Practice Framework. Melbourne: University of Melbourne
• Warren, A., Martin, R., Chung, D. (2020) Women who use force: Final Report. Volume 2 – International Literature Review. Melbourne: University of Melbourne
• Warren, A., Martin, R., Chung, D. (2020) Women who use force: Final Report. Volume 3 – National Workforce Survey. Melbourne: University of Melbourne
• Kertesz, M., Humphreys, C. & Larance, L.Y. (2021). Interventions for women who use force in a family context: an Australian Practice Framework. Melbourne: University of Melbourne.