Fifth of women report being hit with a fist or object, kicked or bitten — Aussie study reveals prevalence of intimate partner violence

It's the first Australian survey using validated instruments to assess a broad spectrum of intimate partner violence across a nationally representative sample.

Almost half of women have experienced partner violence, including 12% who report being choked and 15% who performed sex acts against their will, an Australian study suggests.

Based on a representative survey of 8500 people, the study estimated prevalence of intimate partner violence — physical, sexual or psychological — at 48% for women and 40% for men, higher than previous figures.