Understanding intersectionality

Definition of intersectionality and how it can lead to overlapping of discrimination and marginalisation. ‘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 Word 1.05 MB (opens in a new window)

Everybody matters: Inclusion and Equity Statement PDF 2.13 MB (opens in a new window)

Health & social support

Updated 8 February 2021