Domestic violence is often misunderstood as being limited to physical harm, but the reality is far broader and more complex. This week on All Together: The Family Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews domestic and family violence researcher and Professor Susan Heward-Belle to answer the critical question: is emotional abuse a form of domestic violence?

Based at The University of Sydney, Professor Susan Heward-Belle has a longstanding track record of research, teaching, advocacy and social work practice at the intersections of the family violence, law and child protection systems. Her work pertains to improving not only legal, policy and practice responses that center dignity for victims-survivors, but also accountability for those who use violence and coercive control. Currently, Professor Susan Heward-Belle leads multiple large research projects that contribute to knowledge for improved policy and practice responses to survivors of domestic, family and sexualized violence.

In this episode, Professor Susan Heward-Belle sheds light on what domestic violence and emotional abuse look like within a family, along with the potential long-term consequences for children who grow up in such environments. Additionally, Professor Susan Heward-Belle offers advice for those who may be experiencing any kind of abuse, or have loved ones who are.

Together, Marie and Professor Susan Heward-Belle answer questions from the internet about emotional abuse and domestic violence within families, and discuss useful habits for maintaining positive family functioning. So, tune in for an episode that shines a light on the hidden realities of emotional abuse, and discover knowledge and resources for building safer, healthier relationships!

Follow Professor Susan Heward-Belle’s work: https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/about/our-people/academic-staff/susan-hewardbelle.html

Produced by the Family Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs.

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit http://fa.lmsl.net/ for additional information about Family Science Labs.

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