RP.17.01
The relationship between gambling and domestic violence against women
September 2020
This qualitative study investigated the relationship between gambling and violence by men against their female intimate partners
The study found that while gambling does not directly cause intimate partner violence, it reinforces the gendered drivers of violence to intensify the frequency and severity of intimate partner violence against women.
The study highlighted the prevalence of economic abuse among women experiencing gambling-related intimate partner violence. It also identified that gambling venues serve as safe spaces for women, and that in many areas there are few alternatives.
The study found that some service providers, as well as the community, lack awareness about the link between gambling and intimate partner violence. In terms of service delivery, screening and integrated service responses for both gambling problems and intimate partner violence were found to be limited.
The study further found that gambling-related harm (including economic abuse) is enabled by current protocols of gambling operators and financial institutions.
Recommendations for awareness-raising, prevention and improved service delivery are included in the report.
As an extension of this research, a practice guide for gambling counsellors, financial counsellors and domestic and family violence workers was also developed. The development of this practice guide was funded by the ANROWS Research Fund to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (Philanthropic—Luke Batty Legacy). This resource aims to assist individual practitioners and service managers working in the domestic and family violence, gambling help and financial counselling sectors to support women affected by domestic and family violence and gambling issues.
The practice guide provides eight key practice recommendations and practice skills, as well as specific considerations for particular populations, including older women, women in rural and remote areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Researchers
Project Lead
Professor Nerilee Hing, Central Queensland University
Research expertise
Dr Catherine O’Mullan, Central Queensland University
Dr Elaine Nuske, Southern Cross University
Dr Helen Breen, Southern Cross University
Lydia Mainey, Central Queensland University
Professor Annabel Taylor, Central Queensland University
Dr Andrew Frost, Central Queensland University
Nancy Greer, Central Queensland University
Dr Rebecca Jenkinson, Australian Gambling Research Centre
Uma Jatkar, Australian Gambling Research Centre
Julie Deblaquiere, Australian Gambling Research Centre
Dr Angela Rintoul, Australian Gambling Research Centre
Dr Anna Thomas, RMIT University
Erika Langham, Central Queensland University
Professor Alun Jackson, University of Melbourne
Vijay Rawat, Central Queensland University
Practice expertise
Dr Jamie Lee, Relationships Australia SA
Alisha Heidenreich, Relationships Australia SA
Dr Jemima Petch, Relationships Australia QLD
Aditi Lohan, Relationships Australia QLD
Dr Jen Hamer, Relationships Australia NSW
Fiona Loaney, Relationships Australia ACT
Felicity Hamilton, Relationships Australia ACT
Sandra Morris, Women’s Health in the North Inc. VIC
Blanca Ramos, Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory Social Work, VIC
Amanda Lee-Ross, Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service, QLD
Downloads
RESEARCH REPORT
The relationship between gambling and intimate partner violence against women
Download
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Problem gambling and intimate partner violence: Key findings and future directions
Download
PRACTICE GUIDE
The dangerous combination of gambling and domestic and family violence against women: Practice guide for gambling counsellors, financial counsellors and domestic and family violence workers
DownloadPresentations
Gambling harm and intimate partner violence
This webinar launches the practice guide ‘The dangerous combination of gambling and domestic and family violence against women’. Developed as part of the ANROWS research project, this guide aims to enhance practice across gambling help, financial counselling and domestic and family violence services.
Presenters:
- Professor Nerilee Hing, Central Queensland University & lead author of the report
- Corinna Freytag, Relationships Australia South Australia, lead author of the practice guide
- Dini Soulio, Liquor & Gambling Commissioner and Commissioner for Consumer Affairs – Consumer & Business Services, South Australia
- members of the Three Sides of the Coin gambling lived experience project.
Faciliated by: Michele Robinson, Director Evidence to Action, ANROWS.
MEDIA RELEASE
Study shows economic abuse is exacerbated by gambling
Wednesday, 30th September 2020
New research published today by ANROWS shows that while gambling does not directly cause intimate partner violence (IPV), it exacerbates it in serious ways.
FIND OUT MOREBudget
$230,848
Funded by Australian Commonwealth, state and territory governments under ANROWS’s 2017 core grant round.