Domestic Abuse is Soaring in Rural Australia

ABC REPORT

The classic Australian country lifestyle is often depicted in a romantic light but for some, especially women living on rural properties, it has a dark side.

There are several factors behind the prevalence of domestic violence against women in the bush and help is rarely close at hand.

Senior solicitor for Western Women's Legal Support, Tori Mines, said the pressures of farming life, lack of frontline services like police, and isolation could perpetuate domestic violence.

"The nearest 24-hour manned station may be 300 kilometres away," she said.

"So [there's] that real elevated risk that, if there's something happening, there is no immediate response from police, even if police are called.

Read the full report.