‘Intersectionality’ refers to the ways in which different aspects of a person’s identity can expose them to overlapping forms of discrimination and marginalisation.
Aspects of a person's identity can include social characteristics such as:
- Aboriginality
- gender
- sex
- sexual orientation
- gender identity
- ethnicity
- colour
- nationality
- refugee or asylum seeker background
- migration or visa status
- language
- religion
- ability
- age
- mental health
- socioeconomic status
- housing status
- geographic location
- medical record
- criminal record
Attitudes, systems and structures in society and organisations can interact to create inequality and result in exclusion. These include:
- sexism
- racism
- homophobia
- biphobia
- transphobia
- intersex discrimination
- ableism
- ageism
- stigma
When these aspects or characteristics combine:
- there is a greater risk of people experiencing family violence
- people find it harder to get the help they need due to systemic barriers
- there is increased risk of social isolation
Family Safety Victoria created the Everybody Matters: Inclusion and Equity Statement to build an inclusive, safe, responsive and accountable system for all Victorians.
Everybody matters: Inclusion and Equity Statement
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Everybody matters: Inclusion and Equity Statement
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Updated