Dowry Abuse Working Group

Background

The Dowry Abuse Working Group was established in 2019 following the Second Dowry Abuse Summit in recognition of the need to increase awareness and understanding of dowry abuse and its relationship to domestic, family and gender-based violence.

Dowry abuse can involve demands for dowry, coercion, threats, financial exploitation, intimidation, harassment, physical and psychological abuse, social isolation and other forms of controlling behaviour associated with dowry expectations. It may occur before, during or after marriage and can have significant impacts on women and families.

The Working Group provides a forum for collaboration, advocacy, education and policy development aimed at improving recognition and responses to dowry abuse.

Purpose

The purpose of the Dowry Abuse Working Group is to work collaboratively to increase recognition of dowry abuse as a form of abuse and gender-based violence, improve community and professional understanding, and advocate for appropriate prevention, intervention, support and policy responses.

Objectives

The Working Group seeks to:

• Increase awareness and understanding of dowry abuse within communities and the broader community sector.
• Promote recognition of dowry abuse within domestic and family violence frameworks.
• Identify gaps in policy, legislation, research, services and professional practice.
• Advocate for improved responses to people experiencing dowry-related abuse.
• Support education and training for relevant professionals and services.
• Encourage research and collection of evidence about the prevalence, nature and impacts of dowry abuse.
• Engage with government and policymakers to promote appropriate policy and legislative responses.
• Work collaboratively with community organisations, researchers, specialist services and other relevant stakeholders.
• Promote culturally informed and victim-survivor-centred responses.
• Ensure that the voices and experiences of people affected by dowry abuse inform the group’s work.