Intimate partner abuse and women’s health in rural and mining communities

Abstract

This research examined the incidence and prevalence of male to female intimate partner abuse in the Bowen Basin region of Central Queensland. In particular, it was concerned to examine relationships between the incidence and prevalence of physical and non-physical abuse and rapid growth since 2004 of the regional mining industry. A telephone survey was conducted of 532 women resident either in the Bowen Basin or the nearby coastal city of Mackay, with a stratification strategy employed to ensure adequate numbers of women partnered to mine workers. The strongest covariates of all forms of intimate partner abuse were other forms of intimate partner abuse. Some relationships were also evident between involvement in mining or residence in a mining town and other forms of abuse. However, more consistent risk factors included drug and alcohol use, partner education, partner smoking habits, age, relationship status and debt. The research suggest that any direct influence of mining cultures and workforce management practices on the incidence or prevalence of intimate partner abuse is limited, but that substantial population growth stimulated by mining activity—coupled with serious negative mental health outcomes for women subjected to abuse—presents a compelling case for the expansion of specialist support services.