It is for these reasons that an understanding of the nature and extent of violence and of means for minimising violent behaviours are issues of major public concern. Violence in society takes many forms. Men, women and children can all be victims, as well as perpetrators of violence. In recent years violence against women has been a particular concern of governments, community groups and women themselves. The 1996 Womens Safety Survey measured the incidences of physical and sexual violence against women over the 12 months of 1996.
Physical assault is use of physical force with the intent to harm or frighten a woman.
Sexual assault is any act of a sexual nature carried out against a womans will through the use of physical force, intimidation or coercion, or any attempts to do this. Threats are included only if a woman believes they are able and likely to be carried out. These definitions are based on actions which would be considered as criminal offences under State and Territory criminal law. Women were nearly four times more likely to experience violence by a man than by a woman. The components when added may therefore be larger than the total.