"You Can't Meet Everyone's Needs After-Hours": After-Hours Domestic and Family Violence Services in Rural and Remote Areas

Violence Against Women. 2023 Oct;29(12-13):2527-2550. doi: 10.1177/10778012231183655. Epub 2023 Jul 2.

Abstract

Domestic and family violence is a significant issue in the Murrumbidgee region of New South Wales, Australia, mirroring national and international concerns about gender-based violence. Generally, there are known barriers associated with providing domestic and family violence (DFV) services in rural and remote communities; however, little research has considered the specific service needs and service barriers in the after-hours period. This is crucial. The already limited rural and remote services available during business hours are further constricted in the after-hours period. This article reports on research about after-hours service need and service challenges in six target communities in the Murrumbidgee region.

Keywords: after-hours services; domestic and family violence; rural and remote Australia; victim–survivor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Domestic Violence*
  • Gender-Based Violence*
  • Humans
  • New South Wales
  • Rural Population