Foundation for a National Data Collection and Reporting Framework for family, domestic and sexual violence

The data item ‘Sex’ is the biological distinction between male and female as reported by a person, or as determined by an administrator.

It is acknowledged that identifying populations of interest such as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex is a priority. However, there is currently no agreed standard for measurement of this data item and as such has not been included in the DCRF.

Collecting data about ‘Sex’ can inform decisions around staff allocation and assist in modifying program delivery. This data can also contribute to improved understandings about the prevalence of violence amongst women and men within the Australian community.

Information about a person’s ‘Sex’ can be collected through a self-completed tick box question, through observation or direct questioning. Please note it may be considered inappropriate or offensive to directly ask a person for this information.

In addition, an organisation needs to consider the usefulness of the inclusion of an intersex data item. If required, it is advised that the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) standard below is used.

While the current standards are useful, further development of the related standard is required.

ABS – Demographic Variables (cat. no. 1285.0) ‘Sex’

AIHW – METeOR Person – Sex

The data item ‘Date of Birth’ is information about the day, month and year that a person was born. It is advisable to collect this rather than an individual’s stated age.

‘Date of Birth’ can be used to identify programs or initiatives which respond to the needs of specific sub-populations (such as youth or the elderly). In a broader sense, date of birth can assist in identifying how prevalent violence is amongst particular age groups within the Australian community.

‘Date of Birth’ is collected to derive the age of a person. While age in single years is also an acceptable measure, collecting date of birth is highly desirable as it enables the calculation of a person’s age at any chosen point in time (such as the time of data collection). The use of ‘Date of Birth’ provides more accuracy and flexibility in output categories (such as single year of age or age groups) and can also be used for data linkage purposes.

ABS – Age Standard, 2014, Version 1.7 (cat.no. 1200.0.55.006)

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Date of Birth

The ‘Address’ data item captures information about a place a person regards as their main residence or the place where they currently reside.

The collection of data about a person’s residential/usual address can assist in determining, measuring and monitoring service needs relative to location. In a broader sense, residential address can assist in identifying whether there is a correlation between incidents of violence and a person’s geographic location.

Collecting an individual’s full street address, locality, state and postcode are recommended as these provide the greatest amount of detail for geo-coding to a statistical area. The greater the detail of information collected, the more beneficial this information can be in identifying client/service need. It can also be used for data linkage purposes.

However, where sensitivities prevent the collection of full street address, the most detailed level of information available should be collected, for example: locality, state and postcode may be collected in full/or in part.

AIHW – METeOR – Address

The statistical standard associated with this data items refers to whether a person self-identifies as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; or of non-Indigenous origin. It does not refer to physical appearance.

It is important to note that in statistical and administrative collections it is not feasible collect information on all three components of the ‘The Commonwealth Definition’. The decision made in the High Court Judgement in the case of Commonwealth v Tasmania (1983) 46 ALR 625 state the three components are as follows:

• descent;
• self-identification; and
• community acceptance.
   

Therefore, the community acceptance criterion is not included in this data item.

The collection of information about a person’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status can be used to assess whether specific service needs of these communities are being met, or where this is not the case.

This information can be obtained through self-enumeration or direct questioning which enables the individual to nominate whether they identify as Aboriginal; Torres Strait Islander; both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or neither Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This information should be requested from all persons in a consistent manner, regardless of physical appearance.

ABS – Standards for Statistics on Cultural and Language Diversity, 1999 (cat. no. 1289.0) ‘Indigenous Status’

Please Note: the ABS is currently in the process of reviewing its data standards for Indigenous status.

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Indigenous Status

The ‘Cultural and Linguistic Diversity’ data item is made up of multiple data items that capture the cultural and linguistic characteristics of a person. When used together they can determine a person’s origins and cultural diversity.

This information can inform important decisions around resource allocation and help ensure services are accessible, inclusive and respond to the needs of all people who require assistance.

The recommended set of core data items required in determining an individual’s cultural and linguistic background includes:

• ‘Country of Birth’;
• Main Language Other than English Spoken at Home’;
• Proficiency in Spoken English’; and
• ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Status’.
   

Information about the first three of these data items should be collected about an individual and are described below. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status see previous data item.

In addition to the recommended set of data items, more detailed information about a person’s cultural and linguistic background can be ascertained by collecting information about a person’s ‘Ancestry’, ‘Country of Birth of Father’, ‘Country of Birth of Mother’, ‘First Language Spoken’, ‘Languages Spoken at Home’, ‘Main Language Spoken at Home’, ‘Religious Affiliation’ and ‘Year of Arrival in Australia’.

ABS – Standards for Statistics on Cultural and Language Diversity, 1999 (cat. no. 1289.0)

The ‘Country of Birth’ data item captures information about the country a person was born in.

‘Country of Birth’ is used to assess the ethnic and cultural composition of a particular population. Collection of this information can benefit agencies through the identification of specific sub- population groups who are accessing services.

Information about a person’s country of birth can be obtained directly by asking the individual to specify in which country they were born, or by asking them to select their country of birth from a pre-determined list which may include the option ‘other (please specify)’.

ABS – Country of Birth Standard, 2012, Version 1.0 (cat. no. 1200.0.55.004)

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Country of Birth

The ‘Main Language Other than English Spoken at Home’ data item captures information about the main language spoken by a person at home, other than English.

This information is useful for organisations when making decisions around staffing and/or when allocating funding for interpreter services or other resources (such as translators, educational information, pamphlets etc.). More broadly, this information can ensure that all persons who experience family, domestic and sexual violence have equal access to services.

Information about a person’s ‘Main Language Other than English Spoken at Home’ can be collected by asking an individual to nominate the main language spoken in their home from a list of common languages which includes the option ‘Other (please specify)’. If a person reports that he/she speaks more than one language at home (not including English), they may be required to report the language spoken most often.

Where detailed information cannot be obtained an individual may be asked whether they speak a language other than English at home and a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer may be recorded.

ABS – Language Standards, 2012, Version 1.1 (cat. no. 1200.0.55.005) ‘Main Language Other than English Spoken at Home’

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Main Language Other than English Spoken at Home

Where a person has indicated that their main language spoken at home (see previous data item) was a language other than English they are then required to self-assess their ability to speak English.

This information can be used by organisations when making decisions about staffing and/or when allocating funding for services or resources (such as translators, educational information, pamphlets etc.). It can also ensure services are accessible and respond effectively to the needs of people requiring language assistance.

This information is only intended to be collected where an individual has indicated that English is not their main language spoken at home (see previous data item). It can be collected from an individual using a self-enumerated question which includes a selection of responses ranging from ‘not at all’ to ‘very well’. An individual may require assistance in answering this question and appropriate support should be considered by organisations.

ABS – Language Standards, 2012, Version 1.1 (cat.no 1200.0.55.005) 'Proficiency in Spoken English'

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Proficiency in Spoken English

The ‘Relationship Status’ data item identifies whether a person is in a couple relationship, including current and/or previous relationships.

The collection of this information can broaden understanding about how violence is experienced within different types of couple relationships.

Data about a person’s relationship status can be obtained by employing a self-completed tick box question or through direct questioning. The ABS standard uses a set of questions to assess a person’s registered marital status and social marital status. The latter includes same sex couples. This information may be an important factor for some service provision. Organisations should consider which standard is most appropriate.

While the current standards are a useful starting point, further development of the related standard is required.

ABS – Family, Household and Income Unit Variables (cat. no. 1286.0) ‘Registered Marital’ and ‘Social Marital’ Status

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Marital Status

The ‘Pregnancy Status’ data item is used to determine if a woman is pregnant. This could include information regarding the stage of pregnancy she is in.

Pregnancy is often associated with an increased risk of experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence. This information can ensure that there are sufficient services that cater for pregnant women.

Information on a person’s pregnancy status can be collected via direct questioning or through a self- enumerated tick box question.

While the current standards are a useful starting point, further development of the related standard is required.

AIHW – METeOR – Female – Pregnancy Indicator

The ‘Children’ data item is used to determine if a person has dependent children. If yes, how many and their ages.

People with dependent children can present with unique service delivery requirements and this can change depending on the number and age of the children. More broadly, this information can ensure that there are sufficient services that cater for those with dependent children.

Information on the number of dependent children a client has can be collected via direct questioning or through a self-enumerated tick box question.

While the current standards are a useful starting point, further development of the related standards are required.

ABS - Census Dictionary (cat. no. 2901.0) 'CDCF: Count of Dependent Children in Family'

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Child Indicator

A person’s housing status includes, but is not limited to, owning their residence, having a mortgage, renting or staying with a friend or relative.

This information can assist in understanding the needs of a client in terms of housing, especially in assessing a client’s risk of homelessness.

Information on a person’s housing status can be collected via direct questioning or through a self- enumerated tick box question.

There is no specific data standard for this item; however the following could be used as a guideline:

ABS – Census Dictionary (cat. no. 2901.0) ‘TEND: Tenure Type’

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Housing Tenure Type, Homelessness

The ‘Disability Status’ data item determines whether a person has a disability, serious health condition or requires special assistance.

This information can assist organisations in understanding client need and ensuring services are inclusive and accessible for persons who experience family, domestic and sexual violence. More broadly this information can help enhance understanding about the characteristics of those that experience violence and assist in the identification of risk populations.

Information on a person’s disability status can be collected via direct questioning or through a self- enumerated tick box question. The individual or carer’s response should be recorded.

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Disability Status

The ‘Mental Health Indicator’ data item is a self-reported indicator on whether a person is experiencing a mental health disorder.

This information can assist in the analysis of the characteristics of those that experience family, domestic and sexual violence. It can assist organisations in making decisions about accessibility requirements and resource allocation. More broadly, this information is useful in identifying sub-population groups at risk of experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence.

An individual may provide information on whether they experience a mental health disorder through a self-enumerated question with pre-determined response options ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

While the current standards are a useful starting point, further development of the related standard is required.

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Mental Health Disorder Indicator

The ‘Labour Force Status’ data item captures a person’s level of engagement in paid employment.

‘Labour Force Status’ can be analysed alongside other social, economic and demographic indicators to broaden understanding about the characteristics of those who experience family, domestic and sexual violence.

Individuals should self-report their ‘Labour Force Status’ by selecting a category that best reflects their current level of engagement in paid employment from a predetermined list of choices (for example employed, unemployed or not in the labour force). This information should only be collected from persons aged 15 years and over.

ABS – Standards for Labour Force Statistics (cat. no. 1288.0) ‘Labour Force Status’

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Labour Force Status

The ‘Source of Income’ data item captures the source from which a person derives the majority of their income.

‘Source of Income’ can assist in understanding the needs and individual circumstances of the client base. This can support the equitable delivery of services. It can also be analysed alongside other social, economic and demographic information to inform understanding about the characteristics of those who experience family, domestic and sexual violence.

People should self-report their main source of income by selecting a category from a predetermined list of choices (for example nil income; allowances for students and the unemployment benefits). Where a person has multiple sources of income the primary or main source should be selected.

ABS – Standards for Cash Income Statistics (cat. no. 1287.0)

AIHW - METeOR - Main Source of Cash Income (principal)

The ‘Educational Attainment’ data item captures information about the highest level of education completed by a person.

This information can be used in the analysis of the characteristics of those that experience family, domestic and sexual violence. It can assist organisations in making decisions about client requirements and resource allocation.

People should self-report their highest level of educational attainment by selecting a category from a predetermined list of choices.

ABS – Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), 2001 (cat. no. 1272.0)

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Level of Highest Educational Attainment

The ‘Linkage Key’ is a unique code or data string which represents a unique person in a data set or administrative collection.

A ‘Linkage Key’ makes it possible to count the number of persons who have contacted an organisation and the services they received. Without a unique identifier it may not be possible to determine how many individuals came into contact with the organisation and the number of times they required assistance.

The ‘Linkage Key’ is typically formed from characters in a person’s name, date of birth and sex (see existing classification below for example). This key is also used for linking across data systems to identify common persons. However a linkage key should only be activated across data systems with appropriate approvals and compliance with Privacy Acts.

AIHW – METeOR – Record – Linkage Key

The ‘Date of Event’ data item records information about the day, month and year that the family, domestic and sexual violence was experienced/occurred. This could be the day of the transaction or many years before and may include a start and end date if the violence occurred over an extended period time.

This information can assist in improving understanding about support seeking behaviours, prevalence and demand for services.

Where a person has experienced violence on multiple occasions, the date of the event that prompted the person to seek assistance or contact an organisation should be recorded.

There is no specific data standard for this item; however the ‘Service Contact Date’ used in METeOR could be used as a proxy.

AIHW – METeOR – Service Contact – Service Contact Date

The ‘Location of Event’ data item is designed to capture the physical location (for example home, footpath or park) of an event of family, domestic and sexual violence. This information is separate to geographic information such as address.

This information can assist in identifying the prevalence of family, domestic and sexual violence events occurring in particular types of locations and can be used to improve programs and service delivery.

The person may be asked to nominate the location category that best describes the place where they experienced family, domestic and sexual violence from a pre-determined list of responses. Where the person has experienced violence numerous times, the location of the event that prompted them to seek assistance should be recorded.

There is no specific standard for this item; however ‘Residential Setting’ in METeOR could be used as a proxy. Further development may be needed to ensure all possible locations are included in the standard.

AIHW – METeOR – Person – Residential Setting

The ‘Relationship between Parties’ data item assesses the type of relationship that exist between a person who experienced violence, and any other person (or persons) involved or present at an event (directly involved or witness to the event). This includes but is not limited to: family, friends, housemates or acquaintances.

This information contributes to improved understanding about the types of familial and/or intimate relationships in which violence occurs. It provides insight into how frequently violence is experienced across a variety of relationships. This can enable more accurate targeting of support services and prevention programs.

The person should be asked to nominate their relationship to all parties who were present at the event from a pre-determined list of responses. The types of relationships recorded may differ depending on the nature of the recording agency.

There is no specific standard for this data, see ‘Relationship in Household’ for example of possible relationship types to consider for inclusion.
ABS – Family, Household and Income Unit Variables (cat. no. 1286.0) ‘Relationship in Household’

Further development may be needed to ensure a comprehensive range of relationships are included for family, domestic and sexual violence events. Some relationships are not specified in legislation or may not be fully encompassed within legislation that addresses these types of violence. The ABS publication Defining the data challenge outlines a comprehensive list of possible relationships that should be considered for inclusion.

This data item captures information about the type (or types) of violent behaviour that was experienced by a person during the most recent event of family, domestic and sexual violence (for example, physical, verbal or sexual assault, threatening behaviour, stalking, psychological and economic abuse).

This information can improve the understanding of the prevalence of various violent behaviours experienced within families, and across a variety of relationships. This can lead to improved resource allocation and improved service delivery through targeted responses for different forms of violence.

Where a person has experienced multiple forms of violence within the one event, all types of violence experienced during the incident should be recorded. The ‘Type/s of Violence’ recorded will differ depending on the nature of the recording agency.

There is no specific standard for this data item; however an example of possible categories for types of violence is included below.
ABS – Australian and New Zealand Standard Offence Classification (ANZSOC), 2011 (cat. no. 1234.0)

Further development may be needed to ensure a comprehensive range of family, domestic and sexual violence behaviours are included. Some forms of violence are not specified in legislation or may not be fully encompassed within legislation (for example, verbal or emotional abuse). The ABS publication Defining the data challenge outlines a comprehensive list of types of violence and associated behaviours that should be considered for inclusion.

This data item captures information about the day, month and year in which the transaction between an individual and an organisation provider occurred. This may be recorded in the form of a start and/or end date of transaction.

This information can assist services in identifying peaks and troughs in demand for services.

Multiple transaction dates may be recorded for a person. The ‘Date of Transaction’ should be recorded in conjunction with a unique identifier, or ‘Linkage Key', to produce outputs about the number of transactions between a person and an organisation.

AIHW – METeOR Service Contact – Service Contact Date

This data item captures information about the full street address, locality and postcode where a face to face service is provided.

In combination with a person’s address, this information can be used to assess the proximity of organisations in relation to clients thereby highlighting where additional services are needed to improve accessibility.

The address of the organisation where the face to face service was provided should be recorded. For some organisations the service may be provided via the web or phone, in these cases recording the ‘Organisation Address’ is not required. The transaction address recorded in conjunction with the ‘Linkage key’, can enable outputs about the proximity of a person in relation to the service/s used. This may not be possible for some services due to privacy constraints.

ABS – Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume 1 – Main Structure and Greater Capital City Statistical Areas, July 2011 (cat. no. 1270.0.55.001)

AIHW – METeOR – Address

The ‘Organisation Type’ data item is the primary function or role of the organisation involved in the transaction (for example Health, Police, Child Protection, Legal or Victim Support). This data item is determined by the organisation that is collecting the information and is sometimes a derived data item. If required this may be specific to a sector and would be negotiated upon establishment of an administrative collection.

The benefit of collecting this information (along with other data items) is that it can be used to analyse the accessibility of services for clients.

The ‘Organisation Type’ should be selected from a predetermined list of choices.

AIHW – METeOR – Service Provider Organisation

Unlike the other data items presented in the DCRF, the ‘Output/s from Service Provision’ is dynamic and does not lend itself to a generic classification. Accordingly this data item is included in the DCRF, without a description or guidelines, as it is essential to evaluating service provision of an organisation.

The ‘Output/s from Service Provision’ data item/s varies and is specific to an organisation providing the service. Accordingly this data item will require negotiation/agreement to produce measurable service outputs that are meaningful for an organisation. Understanding and defining the reporting requirements for each service area will shape what data will be included or excluded. This should occur upon the establishment of an administrative data collection.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2013, Defining the Data Challenge for Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence, 2013, cat. no. 4529.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2013, Bridging the data gaps for family, domestic and sexual violence, Australia, 2013, cat.no. 4529.0.00.002, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2012, Country of Birth Standard, 2012, Version 1.0, cat. no. 1200.0.55.004, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2012, Language Standards, 2012, Version 1.1, cat. no. 1200.0.55.005, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2012, Statistical Quality Incident Response Plan, Jun 2012, cat. no. 1542.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2011, Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume 1 – Main Structure and Greater Capital City Statistical Areas, 2011, cat. no. 1270.0.55.001, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2011, Census Dictionary, 2011, cat. no. 2901.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2011, Australian and New Zealand Standard Offence Classification (ANZSOC), 2011, cat. no. 1234.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2011, Quality Management of Statistical Outputs Produced From Administrative Data, Mar 2011, cat. no. 1522.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2010, Quality Management of Statistical Processes Using Quality Gates, Dec 2010, cat. no. 1540.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2009, ABS Data Quality Framework, May 2009, cat.no. 1520.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2005, Family, Household and Income Unit Variables, 2005, cat.no. 1286.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 2001, Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), 2001, cat.no. 1272.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 1999, Demographic Variables, cat. no. 1285.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 1999, Standards for Statistics on Cultural and Language Diversity, cat. no. 1289.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 1997, Standards for Cash Income Statistics, 1997, cat. no. 1287.0, ABS, Canberra.
ABS, 1996, Standards for Labour Force Statistics, 1996, cat. no. 1288.0, ABS, Canberra.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), METeOR Home, accessed 25 September 2014, http://meteor.aihw.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/181162
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) 2012, The National Plan for the First Action Plan 2010-2013, Building a Strong Foundation, FaHCSIA, Canberra.