Family conflict
Indicator
Family fighting (Speaking Out Survey WA)
Policy context
Feeling safe and being safe at home is critical for children and young people’s healthy development. A safe and supportive family provides a sense of security, fosters self-esteem and responds appropriately to children and young people’s needs.¹
Children and young people who experience family violence, abuse and neglect are more likely to have poor outcomes including poor physical health, learning and developmental difficulties, higher rates of alcohol and substance abuse, mental illness, criminality, homelessness, later parenting issues and suicide.²
The causes of family and domestic violence are complex. Violence against women is linked to gender inequality reinforced through gender-based stereotypes. It is therefore critical to collect data on children and young people’s understanding of gender equality and violence against women.³
Mullan K and Higgins D 2014, A safe and supportive family environment for children: key components and links to child outcomes – Occasional Paper No 52, Department of Social Services, p. 2. Cited in: Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, Indicators of Wellbeing, Safe in the home [cited 2023 September 19]. Available at: https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/indicators-of-wellbeing/age-group-12-to-17-years/safe-in-the-home/
Hunter C 2014, Effects of child abuse and neglect for children and adolescents, National Child Protection Clearinghouse Resource Sheet, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Cited in: Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, Indicators of Wellbeing, Safe in the home [cited 2023 September 19]. Available at: https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/indicators-of-wellbeing/age-group-12-to-17-years/safe-in-the-home/
Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, Indicators of Wellbeing, Safe in the home [cited 2023 September 19]. Available at: https://www.ccyp.wa.gov.au/our-work/indicators-of-wellbeing/age-group-12-to-17-years/safe-in-the-home/
