Domestic Violence: UK and Australian Developments

Abstract

Domestic violence is a large scale social problem that requires a complex social policy response involving many statutory and non-statutory organisations. This chapter provides a comparative understanding of how domestic violence emerged to the point of being considered a social problem requiring government policy and intervention in the United Kingdom and Australia. The two counties have a remarkably similar history and are both confronted by similar policy challenges to end domestic violence. The chapter will give the reader an overview of the key policy areas and provide commentary on some contemporary challenges to end domestic violence.