25 November 2025

Australia’s peak body for preventing men’s family violence says NSW’s Man Box report highlights the urgent need to support men and boys early, with research showing rigid masculine norms increase violence risk sevenfold.

The state-specific analysis, funded by the NSW Government and delivered by Jesuit Social Services, surveyed more than 1,200 men and reveals a clear relationship between rigid masculine stereotypes and the use of family violence. Men who strongly identified with these norms were seven times more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence and ten times more likely to commit sexual violence.

While most men rejected these stereotypes, half reported feeling pressure to appear tough, dominant or emotionally closed off.

“These findings show the pressures many men experience and the importance of supporting them to make safer choices,” said Philip Ripper, the CEO of No to Violence, Australia’s peak body for organisations working with men who use family violence.

“When men are encouraged to question limiting expectations, strengthen their relationships and seek help early, the likelihood of violence decreases. Most men want to contribute positively to their families and communities, and this report reinforces the value of working with them as partners in prevention.”

Media Contact: Jo Nilsson, Media & Advocacy Advisor | jon@ntv.org.au | 0455666492