More than one in three men in Australia reported using violence with an intimate partner in a first of its kind study which shows gender-based abuse is rising, despite years of national attention on the issue. The research was part of a longitudinal study called Ten to Men by Australia’s Institute of Family Studies, which began in 2013 and now involves around 24,000 boys and men. Intimate partner violence is defined as emotional, physical and sexual abuse. The study found that the number of men using violence with their partners has risen over the past decade. Last time the survey was conducted in 2013-2014, roughly 1 in 4 (24%) men had committed intimate partner violence. That figure rose to 1 in 3 (35%). That equates to about 120,000 men using intimate partner violence for the first time each year, pointing to a worrying trend in a country which has long grappled with how to combat gender-based violence. In 2022, the Australian government launched its 10-year National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children with a majority priority of advancing gender equality. But since January last year, 100 women have been killed in Australia, according to Counting Dead Women. Recent protests have called for the government to do much more to end gender-based violence. “The fact that one in three men in the study reported using intimate partner violence should shake every Australian,” said Tarang Chawla, a violence against women advocate and co-founder of Not One More Niki. Chawla’s siter, Nikita, was killed by her ex-partner in 2015. “She was one of the women these numbers speak to,” Chawla said. “We’ve known this is a crisis, but now we have the data to back what victim-survivors, families and advocates have been saying for years: this is widespread, and it’s preventable.” Study shows father figures matter Emotional abuse was the most common form of intimate partner violence reported in the Ten to Men study, with 32% of men reporting they had made an intimate partner “feel frightened or anxious,” up from 21% in 2013-2014. And around 9% of the men reported they had “hit, slapped, kicked or otherwise physically hurt” an intimate partner. Men with moderate or severe depressive symptoms were 62% times more likely to use intimate partner violence by 2022 compared to those who had not had these symptoms, while men with suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts were 47% times as likely, the study found. The findings of the Ten to Men study not only underscore the extent of the problem – they also offer key lessons for policymakers looking to tackle the issue, said Sean Martin, a clinical epidemiologist and program lead for the study. While much of the existing research in Australia on intimate partner violence has rightly focused on survivors and their stories, Martin said, this study takes a new approach by studying perpetrators to better understand how to prevent violence. It’s the first Australian study to examine how affection in father-son relationships during childhood relate to later use of intimate partner violence. The study found men with higher levels of social support in 2013-2014 were 26% less likely to start using intimate partner violence by 2022, compared to men who had less support. Men with strong father-son relationships were also less likely to become violent. Men who strongly agreed that they had received affection from a father or father figure during childhood were 48% less likely to use intimate partner violence compared to men who strongly disagreed. These findings lend strong support for initiatives to support men’s mental health in Australia, as well as community supports and programs for young dads, Martin said. Susan Heward-Belle, a professor at the University of Sydney, said the study shows the importance of fathers modeling respect for women, emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion to their children. “For a very long time, a lot of that emotional, social, nurturance-type work has been seen as women’s responsibilities within families.” Heward-Belle, who was not involved in the Ten to Men study, said it is crucial to explore further how feelings of entitlement and anger can develop. “We also know that there are some men who perpetrate domestic and family violence who arguably have had good relationships with both parents.”
One in three Australian men say they have committed intimate partner violence, study reveals
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Reveals One in Three Australian Men Admit to Committing Intimate Partner Violence"
CNN
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
A groundbreaking study from Australia’s Institute of Family Studies has revealed that more than one in three men in the country admit to committing intimate partner violence, highlighting a disturbing trend in gender-based abuse despite ongoing national efforts to address the issue. This longitudinal study, known as Ten to Men, has been tracking the experiences of approximately 24,000 boys and men since its inception in 2013. The results indicate a significant increase in reported intimate partner violence, with the percentage of men admitting to such behavior rising from 24% in 2013-2014 to 35% in recent years. This alarming statistic translates to an estimated 120,000 men engaging in intimate partner violence for the first time each year, suggesting a growing crisis in a nation that has struggled with gender-based violence for decades. In response to this escalating issue, the Australian government introduced a 10-year National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children in 2022, primarily aimed at promoting gender equality. However, the grim reality persists, as evidenced by the tragic loss of 100 women to violence since January of the previous year, prompting calls for more decisive action from the government.
The study also sheds light on the types of intimate partner violence reported, with emotional abuse being the most prevalent form. Approximately 32% of men admitted to making their partners feel frightened or anxious, a notable increase from 21% reported in the previous survey. Physical violence was reported by around 9% of the participants. The findings suggest a strong correlation between mental health issues and the likelihood of committing intimate partner violence, with men experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms being significantly more likely to engage in such behavior. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the role of positive father-son relationships in preventing future violence, indicating that men who received affection from their fathers were 48% less likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence. Experts advocate for community programs that support men's mental health and encourage nurturing relationships, underscoring the importance of modeling respect and empathy within families as a preventative measure against domestic violence.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent study revealing that one in three Australian men has committed intimate partner violence raises significant concerns about the persistence and increase of gender-based abuse in the country. This alarming statistic comes despite ongoing national efforts to address such issues, suggesting a deeper societal problem that may not be effectively tackled by current strategies.
Objectives of the Publication
The intent behind publishing this study might be to highlight the severity and prevalence of intimate partner violence in Australia. By bringing attention to the rising numbers, the article aims to provoke a strong societal response and encourage further governmental and community action. It serves to underscore the urgency of implementing effective measures to combat gender-based violence.
Perception Shaping
This article seeks to create a sense of urgency and awareness among the Australian public regarding the issue of intimate partner violence. By framing the data within the context of a national crisis, it aims to mobilize community action and pressure for systemic change. The use of personal anecdotes, such as those from advocates like Tarang Chawla, personalizes the statistics and enhances emotional engagement, which may influence public perception and response.
Information Omission
While the article provides significant data, it may not delve deeply into the underlying causes or factors contributing to the rise in violence. This lack of exploration could lead to a simplified understanding of a complex issue, potentially omitting discussions about socioeconomic factors, mental health issues, and systemic inequalities that contribute to domestic violence.
Manipulative Aspects
The article could be seen as having a manipulative edge, particularly in how it emphasizes the shocking statistic of one in three men. By employing strong emotional language and personal stories, it may lead readers to feel a sense of guilt or responsibility, which could skew their perception of the broader societal context of violence against women. The framing of the narrative could lead to a call for immediate action, which, while necessary, may oversimplify the complexities involved.
Reliability of the Information
The study's findings appear to be based on a comprehensive longitudinal framework, involving a significant sample size. This lends credibility to the data presented. However, the interpretation and presentation of the data in the article may be influenced by advocacy goals, which could affect objectivity. Thus, while the core statistics are reliable, the implications drawn from them should be approached critically.
Societal Implications
The data presented in this article has the potential to influence societal views on gender-based violence, prompting a shift in public discourse and potentially leading to legislative changes. It could also inspire community activism and support services for victims. Economically, if the government responds by increasing funding for violence prevention programs, it could impact public spending and resource allocation.
Support from Specific Communities
This article is likely to resonate with communities focused on gender equality, women's rights, and social justice advocacy. It may also attract support from organizations that address mental health, family welfare, and community safety. The focus on intimate partner violence may engage those who are personally affected or have a vested interest in the issue.
Market and Economic Impact
While this article may not directly influence stock markets, it could have implications for businesses and sectors related to social services, mental health, and community outreach programs. Companies involved in these sectors might see increased demand for their services in light of heightened public awareness and governmental funding initiatives.
Geopolitical Context
Although the article primarily focuses on domestic issues within Australia, the themes of gender-based violence and societal response are globally relevant. This aligns with ongoing international discussions about women's rights and safety, making it part of a broader narrative on gender equality.
Use of AI in Writing
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in the creation of this article. However, AI models could assist in data analysis or in generating specific sections. If AI were involved, it might have shaped the narrative tone to enhance engagement or emotional impact.
In conclusion, the article presents significant findings on intimate partner violence in Australia, aiming to raise awareness and provoke action. Its reliability is bolstered by the study's robust methodology, although the presentation may carry an advocacy bias. The implications for society, economy, and legislative action are substantial, suggesting a need for ongoing discourse and intervention.