Mental Health
More than two in five Australians experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. In 2020–21 more than 3.4 million Australians sought help from a health care professional for their mental health. It was also reported by the ABS that:
- Almost half (46.6%) of females aged 16-24 years and almost one third (31.2%) of males aged 16-24 years had a 12-month mental disorder.
- Females were more likely than males to have had a 12-month anxiety disorder (21.0% compared to 12.4%).
- Females experienced higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (7.6% compared with 3.6%) than males.
- 3% of females experienced a depressive episode in 2020-21 compared with 3.8% of males.
Climate Change & Disaster
WHISE sits in a region that includes rural peri-urban areas impacted by natural disasters such as fire, flood and drought. The areas on the edge of Melbourne from Cardinia Shire through to the Mornington Peninsula have experienced the impact of climate change. Increasingly, the impact has been felt throughout other parts of our region which has had a flow on impact to urban areas.
The impact of climate change occurs across all aspects and all stages of a woman’s life. Indeed, climate change exacerbates the existing health disparities, inequalities and vulnerabilities.
COVID-19 – The gendered impact of pandemics
Drawing on the evidence internationally and locally, we know that gender plays a role in how the pandemic impacts lives.
Lessons from previous pandemics and other disasters shows gender stereotypes and norms can intensify. This can lead to women having less access to power and decision making than men, including access to services and health care.
The pandemic compounded the already inconsistent access to sexual and reproductive health services, domestic violence services and more.
Older Women
In 2019, the Southern Melbourne PCP Elder Abuse Primary Prevention network conducted a literature review concerning prevention of elder abuse. The review called for a framework to prevent violence in all its forms against older people.
This issue is gaining significant attention from State and Federal Governments, as well as community leaders and policy makers.
The review concluded that despite widespread recognition of elder abuse as a prevalent issue, there is a lack of evidence and clear direction on effective prevention strategies.