Domestic violence burns more severe than from accidents, Australian research finds

Calls increase for more Australian research into the use of fire as a tool of domestic violence. Photograph: Russell Freeman/AAP

Burns suffered by women in domestic violence attacks are often more severe, deeper and lead to worse health outcomes than those suffering accidental burns, according to new research.

The Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (Branz), Australia’s top burns datacentre, found that while almost 100 Australian women had been admitted to specialist units as a result of domestic violence between 2009 and 2022, it was likely a significant underestimation.