Men in Watch reveals the men most likely to commit violence against women
The stereotype that only “bad men” are violent towards women has been busted by a group of researchers, who have revealed the common traits of a perpetrator.
Lifestyle
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Tough, dominant Aussie men with sexist attitudes are more likely to commit violence against women, a new report has found.
Men in Focus, a review of research on masculinity by Our Watch and the Victorian Office for Women, challenges the notion that violence is perpetrated only by “bad men”.
Report author Shane Tas, Our Watch senior policy advisor, said it was “easy for men to think …‘that’s not me, I’m a good man, I’m not violent’ … but the reality is that although perpetrators are the minority, everyone in our society, including men, has a critical role to call out sexism and disrespect towards women”.
“The perception that women aren’t equal, that men should be in control and be in positions of power; all of that adds up to create the kind of social conditions and attitudes that lead to violence against women,” he said.
The report draws on data from The Men’s Project, which found men with stereotypical attitudes are more likely to bully others physically, make sexual comments to women they don’t know and go along with sexist jokes told by others.
Such stereotypical attitudes include dominance, control, risk-taking, hypersexuality, heterosexuality, stoicism and aggression.
Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly said many men “say they feel pressure to live up to this ideal which is also incredibly harmful to them”.
The report found such men experienced greater health risks, including higher rates of depression and suicide. They were also more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours such as dangerous driving and substance abuse and were less likely to seek help.
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Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams said traditional views of masculinity pushed in popular culture can make gender inequality worse: “they can be harmful for women, and also for the men who take on these stereotypes,” she said.
Ms Kinnersly said male violence was a significant problem in Australia, with 95 per cent of violence against women and men being perpetrated by men.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call
1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000