Finding into death of Anitha Mathew, Philip , Mathew George

Contributing factors

• Family violence - coercive control and psychological abuse by husband
• Social isolation despite education and living in developed countries
• Frustration about employment not matching qualifications
• Husband's controlling behaviours including financial control and communication freezing out
• Fear of social stigma of divorce in Indian cultural context
• Marital separation and threat of children being taken to India
• Insomnia treated with prescription sedatives
• Lack of engagement with available support services
• Lack of awareness or utilisation of family violence support services
• Communication barriers and shame preventing disclosure to Australian authorities

Coroner's recommendations

1. People whether immigrants to Australia or not should understand the meaning and purpose of family violence laws in Australia, particularly the types of behaviours that constitute family violence under Australian law
2. Ensure that people, especially from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, understand Australian family violence laws and available protections
3. Support and fund services such as inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence to enable access for women from diverse cultural backgrounds experiencing family violence
4. Improve access to and uptake of legal services and family violence support services particularly for immigrant and culturally and linguistically diverse women
5. Increase GP and healthcare provider awareness of family violence presentation and screening, particularly in culturally and linguistically diverse populations
6. Develop culturally appropriate family violence awareness and support initiatives targeting Indian diaspora and other migrant communities