A Senate inquiry into the nature and prevalence of dowry abuse in Australia has published its report.
While it identifies dowry abuse as a direct cause of family violence, murders and suicides in Australia, the report rules out recommending a specific law to criminalise the practice.
One of the inquiry's key recommendations is that the term 'economic abuse' be included as a form of family violence under the existing Family Law Act 1975.
Victoria is currently the only state that specifically includes dowry abuse in legislation as an example of family violence.
Senator Louise Pratt, chair of the Inquiry Committee says she was surprised to find dowry abuse in Australia was far more significant than she expected.
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