No to Violence welcomes the release of the important National Community Attitudes Survey 2021 (NCAS), which tells us how Australians understand violence against women and the influences and ideas behind their attitudes.
“This report reinforces that victim-survivors continue carrying the burden of navigating a system that meets their cries for help with disbelief or bureaucracy,” said Jacqui Watt, No to Violence CEO.
“Understanding Australian’s attitudes towards violence against women is critical.
“But it is time to recognise that we cannot stop family and domestic violence until we stop men from using violence and abuse.
“We need to shift the burden: to remove it from the victim-survivors and place it firmly on the men who use violence.”
The 2021 NCAS Report shows that:
- Overall, attitudes towards violence against women are slowly improving
- But more than 40% of Australians believe that men and women perpetrate family violence equally – whereas research shows that at least three-quarters of all family violence is perpetrated by men
- Australians continue to blame women for experiencing violence. 25% believe that if women do not leave their partner, they are responsible for their partner’s abuse
- 91% of Australians recognise that violence against women is a problem. But only 47% see violence against women as a problem in one’s own suburb or town
Importantly, the report also noted the value of research examining opportunities to challenge problematic attitudes and behaviours among young men.
Specifically, qualitative and quantitative research exploring young men’s use of violence in their first intimate relationships, to inform the development of early intervention programs.
No to Violence is a member of the NCAS Project Advisory Group and the No to Violence policy and research team worked in partnership with ANROWS to review an early draft of the report.
Our team provided feedback on the policy implications of the report, recommending ways in which the sector can work with men and boys to end family violence.
We recommended, and continue to recommend, establishing a national perpetration study to sit alongside the NCAS – this will help to build the evidence base for perpetrator interventions.
Stop the cycle of violence. If you are concerned about someone using violence, call Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit ntv.org.au/get-help/ for advice and support.
Jacqui Watt is available to comment on the NCAS findings. Please contact No to Violence Media and Communications Advisor, Kelly Pigram at kellyp@ntv.org.au or call 0428 085 943.
