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What percentage of marriages end in divorce in Australia?
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According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about one in three marriages ends in divorce. Of those divorces, about half involve couples living together prior to marriage.
It’s estimated that roughly 1/3rd of Australians marry someone outside of their race. That number is higher among younger generations.
For example, according to ABS data, in 2016, nearly 40% of 25–34 year olds were married to someone of a different ethnicity. In contrast, less than 10% of 35–44 year olds had interracial relationships.
So, while statistics show that interracial marriages are becoming increasingly common, they still remain relatively rare compared to heterosexual unions.
While interracial marriages may seem unusual, they aren’t uncommon in Asia, Africa, South America, and parts of Europe. For example, in Japan, nearly half of all marriages are mixed race.
With such a large population of mixed marriages, it makes sense why Australia leads the world in terms of interracial marriages.
Australia is also home to the highest rate of same-sex marriage in the world. According to a 2017 report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, approximately 2% of Australian adults are currently in a same-sex relationship.
As of 2018, there were 4,853 same-sex couples registered in Australia.
Why Do Marriages Break Down?
Marriage breakdowns happen when couples grow apart over time. The causes vary widely, but most often include infidelity, financial problems, personality differences, and lack of communication.
When couples grow apart, they may find themselves drifting away from each other emotionally and physically. They may begin to feel disconnected and lose interest in sex. This leads to feelings of loneliness, resentment, anger, and frustration.
If this happens, chances are there will be arguments, fights, and misunderstandings. Couples who argue and fight tend to become further apart.
This is where things go downhill. Over time, these negative emotions build up until they reach a breaking point. At this point, the couple decides to separate.
There are many reasons why marriages break down. Some couples simply drift apart because they’re busy with work, family, friends, hobbies, and activities outside of the relationship. Others experience stress at home, at school, or at work, which affects their ability to communicate effectively.
Still others suffer from depression, anxiety, or mental health issues. These conditions can cause them to withdraw from their partner and isolate themselves.
Whatever the reason, if you’re married, chances are you’ve experienced some form of marriage breakdown yourself. And if you haven’t, well, you should!
The Impact of Divorce on Children
Divorce is devastating for children. The impact varies depending on whether parents split up when kids are young or older.
If parents split up when kids were very young, the effects may be short term. However, if parents split up after kids reached school age, the impact could last a lifetime.
Kids who grow up in broken homes often struggle academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. They’re at risk of developing mental health problems, substance abuse issues, and behavioral disorders.
When parents split up, kids lose stability and security. This makes them vulnerable to peer pressure and influences from friends and family members. Kids who experience parental separation are also more likely to become depressed and suicidal.
Children who witness domestic violence are also at greater risk of experiencing emotional and physical trauma. These negative experiences can lead to poor academic performance, social skills deficits, and behavioral difficulties.
Finally, kids who live through parental separation are more likely to develop eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To avoid these risks, try to keep your marriage together. If you need help, talk to your partner about your concerns. Ask him or her to listen to you and not judge you.
Also, consider counseling if you feel overwhelmed. There are many resources available to help you cope with the challenges of parenting.
The Impact of Marriage Breakdown on Women
Marriage breakdowns impact women differently than men. While men often seek out new partners after marriage break down, women tend to stay single longer and suffer greater financial hardship.
Women who marry later in life may not be financially prepared for marriage, and this can lead to marital problems.
If you’re thinking about getting married, consider delaying until you’ve saved enough money to support yourself. This will give you the freedom to pursue your career goals without having to worry about supporting a family.
To review
It’s important to understand why marriages break down so that you can avoid making mistakes when choosing a partner.