Danger Signs: Ethnicity, Relationship Status and Lethal Threats Associated with Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

This paper identifies groupings of women who experience dangerous levels of intimate partner violence. Data from a survey of two hundred and twenty seven Perth women, who were clients of two services, were systematically analysed using SPSS Version 17. The results confirm that specific groupings of women experienced various illegal, potentially lethal forms of violence. The severity of the threats to Aboriginal and separated women suggests that these women are at risk of serious injury and possibly homicide. Their experiences expose a gap between laws outlawing violence and cultural norms that support intimate partner violence. These findings serve also as a warning to service providers that intervention is warranted.