Loneliness is quickly becoming one of the key health, economic, and social issues of our time. It has been found to predict numerous and significant physical and mental health outcomes, including the development of PTSD symptoms and suicidal ideation and behaviour. This evidence, alongside high rates of loneliness in our communities has led to global responses in monitoring and intervention. Yet, despite longstanding focus on social isolation abuse, loneliness is often overlooked in research on domestic and family violence (DFV). Indeed, loneliness has been described as one of the most profound parts of surviving and escaping DFV. It impacts decisions to leave, stay, or return to violent relationships, and is likely intensified for those facing added structural and social barriers to connection, such as people with disability, culturally diverse groups, First Nations people, LGBTIQA+ communities, and young people.

While loneliness is inherently understood to be part of the DFV journey, few studies have focused on loneliness, and fewer still in the Australian context. This research aimed to explore Australian service providers perspectives of the effect of loneliness on people impacted by DFV and what impact intersecting marginalisation has on loneliness in this context. Specifically, we explore its pervasiveness, the existence and impact of current avenues for connection; and what might be needed to further develop spaces and interventions to connect. Results will be presented from 155 survey responses and 30 in-depth interviews with service providers working with victim/survivors and people using violence across health, community, legal, and DFV services. This presentation will involve discussion and reflection with attendees on how loneliness has impacted their clients’ journeys and how we could reimagine our responses to better serve victim/survivors’ capacity to connect and thrive after violence.