RESEARCH SUMMARY Problem gambling and intimate partner violence: Key findings and future directions
This is an edited summary of key findings from ANROWS research project “The relationship between gambling and intimate partner violence against women”
This project investigated the relationship between gambling and violence by men against their female intimate partners.
IN BRIEF
Key findings
- Gambling does not directly cause intimate partner violence but can intersect with it in a range of different ways.
- Economic abuse is highly prevalent among women experiencing gambling-related intimate partner violence.
- The community lacks awareness about the impact of problem gambling and its link to intimate partner violence.
- Some service providers also lack awareness about the link between gambling and intimate partner violence.
- Screening for gambling problems and intimate partner violence is limited, as are integrated service responses.
- Gambling venues serve as safe spaces for women, and in many areas there are few alternatives.
- Gambling-related harm (including economic abuse) is enabled by current protocols of gambling operators and financial institutions.
Key recommendations
- Improve public awareness of the link between gambling and intimate partner violence, and where to seek help.
- Improve professional awareness of the link between gambling and intimate partner violence, and how to respond.
- Develop and implement screening and assessment tools that address gambling behaviours and intimate partner violence.
- Integrate services to enhance coordination of referrals and case management.
- Create alternative safe recreational spaces for women.
- Tighten regulation of the gambling industry to prevent gambling-related harm.
- Implement protocols within financial institutions to prevent gambling-related economic abuse.
Publication details
ANROWS Research to policy and practice papers are concise papers that summarise key findings of research on violence against women and their children, including research produced under ANROWS’s research program, and provide advice on the implications for policy and practice.
Suggested citation
Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety. (2020). Problem gambling and intimate partner violence: Key findings and future directions (Research to policy and practice, 21/2020). Sydney: ANROWS.