Australian-first report led by City of Parramatta highlights dowry abuse

A new City of Parramatta-led report shines a light on the extent of dowry abuse in South Asian communities, revealing the first data of its kind in Australia.

The report, Dowry Abuse and South Asian Populations in Australia, compiled alongside Western Sydney University released today with detailed research into dowry abuse in the City of Parramatta local area.

Research with the Settlement Services International and Indian Crisis Support Agency found more than 15 per cent of South Asian women, born in Australia and overseas, reporting domestic and family violence were affected by dowry abuse.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis said the report’s findings are significant and called for increased recognition and action against dowry abuse at local and national level.

“We know dowry abuse is a real issue, with real impacts for many members of our communities and beyond,” Cr Davis said.

“Our City is uniquely diverse, and dowry abuse is an ongoing matter impacting a concerning number of women and children in our South Asian communities. As part of this research, we’ve talked to dozens of local women and service providers to help us identify, define and address dowry violence.

“Safety for women, children and men in our communities, and at home, is a basic human right. We work with various agencies, not-for-profit organisations and NSW Police to help address issues of domestic and family violence in our local area, but cases of dowry abuse often go unreported.

“It is our job as local government, the tier closest to the people, to listen, engage and advocate for change. This important new research report is a vital first step to raise awareness about dowry abuse taking place in our communities every day, and I hope will lead to change.”

Dowry abuse, the act of extorting money or gifts from a bride’s family beyond an agreed dowry, can lead to emotional and physical abuse. The report’s findings include a lack of services, information and support for women experiencing dowry abuse.

The report findings will be shared at the City of Parramatta’s one-day event, Under the Radar:  Dowry Abuse Research Report Launch and Forum, alongside discussions about domestic and family violence, including dowry abuse. Keynote speakers include Professor Marie Segrave from Monash University, the Indian Crisis Support Agency, NSW Police and Jesuit Refugee Services.

The report’s recommendations call for:

A consistent definition of dowry abuse across Federal, State and Territory Governments; Provision of resources and training Australia-wide to help identify and respond to dowry abuse; Collaboration between all levels of Government for integrated dowry abuse services; and; Federal reformation of the Family Law Act (1975) providing recovery pathways for dowry victims.

The research is part of the City of Parramatta’s Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Action Plan 2022 – 2025, outlining domestic violence responses and prevention strategies for the local area and Council’s workplace.

For more information, visit: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/community/domestic-and-family-violence/prevention

If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence help can be found via:

1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732 national counselling helpline, information and support. NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63 state-wide counselling helpline, information and support