The Tangled Web - Dowry Abuse Among South Asian Communities in Western Sydney
Dowry abuse is a form of gender-based violence that is perniciously perpetrated for economic gain through the cultural practice of dowry
The practice of dowry in South Asian countries has been on the rise for the last twenty years; a situation that correlates to the incidences of identified dowry abuse in South Asian diaspora communities in Australia, and in particular in Western Sydney.
It has been identified that support systems have a limited awareness of the practice, resulting in negative outcomes for victims. Studies that have focused on the occurrence of, and response to, dowry abuse in South Asian diaspora communities living outside countries of origin are few and far between.
This workshop will present
1. Key findings of our 2020-21 research project of Dowry Abuse in South Asian Populations in Australia.
The Dowry Abuse in South Asian Populations in Australia was a 12 month research project that was completed by Western Sydney University in partnership with City of Parramatta Council, Settlement Services International and Indian Sub-Continent Cirri’s and Support Agency. The study’s aims were to understand the dowry abuse incidence rate, capture stakeholder and community voices and to develop data that could be used in advocacy initiatives and training of frontline professionals.
2. How to identify and respond to women experiencing dowry abuse.
The presentation will highlight the systemic failures that lead to the ineffective responses for women facing the intersecting issues of migration, gender-based violence and family breakdown.
3. Propose a more effective response pathway for victims affected by dowry abuse
Taking into consideration the experiences of the local community, knowledge of the DFV response sector and legal remedies.