Domestic Violence: The Consequences of Silence

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SBS Spice explores the barriers South Asian survivors of domestic violence are confronting and the power of tailored support. Tap the audio player to listen.

Content warning: This story contains references to domestic violence. In Australia, 1 in 6 women are survivors of domestic violence. For migrant women, that rises to 1 in 3. In South Asian communities, shame and taboo can bury these stories even deeper, silencing survivors of physical, emotional and financial abuse. In this episode, host Saesha Senanayake hears from Emma*, trauma-informed counsellor Shalina Lodhia, human rights lawyer Lokesh Kashyap, and sexual health and forensic medicine specialist Dr Vanita Parekh on the cultural, legal and medical supports needed to break that silence. Listen now on SBS Spice, wherever you get your podcasts.


I've always been described as a very fiery woman that's got a very strong identity. And it's sort of like, "Oh, hang on. That's happened to me, that can happen to anyone.".
Emma*, survivor of domestic violence who has asked to remain anonymous
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Shalina Lodhia, Trauma-informed Counsellor
I don't think South Asian culture teaches boundaries very much. And because of that, a lot of women's tolerance to domestic violence is increased because they don't have the boundaries or the awareness.
Shalina Lodhia, Trauma-informed Counsellor and domestic violence survivor
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Lokesh Kashyap, Human Rights Lawyer
Migrant women who are victim-survivors of family violence are not escaping just their primary perpetrator. They're also trying to tackle the violence that is perpetrated against them and their family back home.
Lokesh Kashyap, Human Rights Lawyer
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Dr. Vanita Parekh, Sexual Health and Forensic Medicine Specialist
We have to stop it before it ends up with a dead woman and maybe her dead children.
Dr. Vanita Parekh, Sexual Health and Forensic Medicine Specialist
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence, support is available.

Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

In an emergency, call 000.

SBS Spice is your go-to for South Asian Australian culture, exploring what makes us tick—or ick. Catch us on your favourite podcast platforms: SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTube and the SBS Audio app. Or tap the audio player to listen to the full episode.

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