Exploring Readiness for Change: Knowledge and Attitudes towards Family Violence among Community Members and Service Providers Engaged in Primary Prevention in Regional Australia.

Monica Puccetti,Heath Greville,Lennelle Papertalk,Sandra C Thompson,Daphne White,Margie Robinson

doi:10.3390/ijerph16214215

Abstract

Community efforts at the primary prevention of family violence (FV) involve changing values, structures and norms that support gender inequality. This study examines the attitudes of a group of highly engaged community leaders and service providers involved in FV primary prevention in Geraldton, a small city in regional Western Australia. The outcomes of focus group discussions were mapped against a readiness for change model. Despite considerable involvement in discussions of FV prevention over time, the readiness level of these engaged community members for taking leadership roles in the prevention strategy were between pre-planning and preparation stages, although some individuals’ understanding of the drivers of FV and readiness for implementing change was higher. Key areas for further education are the role of gender inequality as the primary driver of FV, particularly rigid gender roles and men’s control of decision making, and the role of alcohol and drugs as reinforcers but not primary drivers of FV.

Highlights

Violence against women and family violence (FV) are widespread problems with lasting negative impacts on mental health and the quality of life, as well as an increased risk of serious injury and/or death [1]
Two people showed up for a fourth focus group, so a structured discussion was undertaken with them, and another two individuals interviews were undertaken with potential participants unable to make the focus groups
Data from these four additional informants were not included in the formal analysis, but the themes identified were concordant with those identified through the focus group analysis

Summary

Introduction

Violence against women and family violence (FV) are widespread problems with lasting negative impacts on mental health and the quality of life, as well as an increased risk of serious injury and/or death [1]. Women experiencing FV are more likely to sustain physical injuries and to engage in health-compromising activities such as smoking, low physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption than women not experiencing FV [2]. In Australia, it has been reported that one in six women have experienced physical or sexual abuse by a former or current partner, and FV is the single largest risk factor for death, disability, and injury for women aged 18–44 years, making this a high priority public health problem and a strongly gendered problem [3]. Australia’s National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 (11). While there have been efforts to understand how the drivers

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