Understanding Family and Domestic Violence

28 Nov

Family and domestic violence remains one of Australia's most pressing social issues, affecting approximately one in four women and one in eight men. While research consistently shows that men are more commonly perpetrators of severe violence and intimate partner homicide, preventing this harm requires understanding how everyone in our community contributes to the problem—whether through direct perpetration, holding attitudes that excuse or minimise abuse, reinforcing rigid gender stereotypes, or staying silent when we witness disrespect.

This infographic draws on Australian research to examine how both men and women contribute to family and domestic violence, and what we can all do to create change. Because ending violence isn't just about addressing perpetrators—it's about transforming the social conditions that allow violence to occur in the first place.

Evidence-Based Research

Understanding Family & Domestic Violence

How both men and women contribute to the problem—through direct perpetration, attitudes, and social norms—and what we can all do to create change

1 in 4

Women have experienced intimate partner violence since age 15

1 in 8

Men have experienced violence by a partner or family member since age 15

75%

Of domestic violence perpetrators recorded by police are male

~33%

Of recorded domestic assault victims are male

Family and domestic violence is a complex social problem that requires everyone's involvement to prevent. While research clearly shows gendered patterns in perpetration, understanding how all members of society contribute—whether through direct violence, harmful attitudes, or maintaining silence—is essential for effective prevention.

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How Men Contribute

Research shows men are more commonly perpetrators of severe violence, coercive control, and intimate partner homicide

Direct Perpetration

⚠ Three-quarters of domestic violence offenders are men (NSW Police data)

⚠ Men perpetrate the vast majority of intimate partner homicides—34 of 35 female IPH victims in 2018-19 were killed by male partners

⚠ Coercive control is predominantly perpetrated by men against female partners

⚠ Technology-facilitated abuse including surveillance, stalking, and image-based abuse

Attitudes & Social Norms

💭 Adherence to rigid "Man Box" masculine ideals correlates with higher rates of violence perpetration

💭 Beliefs in male entitlement to authority and decision-making in relationships

💭 Male peer cultures that emphasise aggression, dominance, and control over women

Bystander Behaviour

🚫 Failing to call out sexist jokes, disrespectful behaviour, or violence-supportive attitudes in other men

🚫 Minimising or excusing other men's abusive behaviour

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How Women Contribute

While less common as perpetrators of severe violence, women can also perpetrate abuse and hold attitudes that enable violence

Direct Perpetration

⚠ Approximately 25% of domestic violence perpetrators are female (research notes motivation, intent and impact often differs)

⚠ ANROWS research shows adolescent females (23%) more likely than males (14%) to report using violence in the home

⚠ Mothers account for approximately 35% of child homicides; fathers account for 29%

⚠ Child abuse and neglect—mothers identified in 73% of verified cases (often reflecting primary carer status)

Attitudes & Social Norms

💭 One in three Australians believe women who don't leave abusive relationships are partly responsible—this includes women holding this view

💭 21% agreed women who send intimate images are partly responsible if shared without consent

💭 Reinforcing rigid gender roles and stereotypes in parenting and family expectations

Bystander Behaviour

🚫 Not believing or supporting other women who disclose abuse

🚫 Perpetuating myths about "real" victims or minimising psychological abuse

🤝 How Everyone Contributes—Regardless of Gender

These factors cut across gender and affect us all as a community

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Consuming and not challenging media that normalises violence or rigid gender stereotypes

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Staying silent when witnessing disrespect, control, or abuse in others' relationships

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Passing on harmful attitudes about gender, relationships, and power to children

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Alcohol and drug misuse that weakens prosocial behaviour and increases risk

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Intergenerational transmission—children exposed to violence have elevated risk of future perpetration or victimisation

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Supporting institutions, policies, or workplaces that maintain gender inequality

📊 Key Australian Research Findings

Evidence from national surveys and police records

Perpetrator Gender (Police Records)

NSW Police data shows approximately 75% of domestic assault offenders are male, 25% female

Victim Gender (Police Records)

Approximately 60% of recorded domestic assault victims are female, 33% male

Violence in Relationships

Research shows 54% of those assaulted by a partner also admitted to assaulting their partner—violence often occurs bidirectionally in some relationships

Intimate Partner Homicide

Women are approximately 3.6 times more likely than men to be killed by an intimate partner

✨ What We Can All Do—Addressing the Drivers

Australia's Change the Story framework identifies four key actions everyone can take

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Challenge Violence-Supportive Attitudes

Speak up when you hear victim-blaming, excuses for abuse, or minimisation of violence

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Promote Women's Independence

Support equal decision-making in relationships, workplaces, and public life

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Challenge Gender Stereotypes

Question rigid expectations about how men and women "should" behave

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Model Respectful Relationships

Demonstrate equality and respect in your own relationships and interactions

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John Forbes