November 26th 2024.
According to domestic violence campaigners, men have the power to make a significant impact by speaking up when they witness their friends, teammates, or family members behaving disrespectfully towards women. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture - a simple shake of the head or walking away from a conversation can make a difference. A recent study by Our Watch revealed that almost four out of five men want to take action to address the alarming rates of violence against women, but many feel unsure of how to do so.
Tarang Chawla, a violence prevention advocate, explained that it's not about being a hero, but rather challenging harmful ideas of masculinity that can lead to violence. He emphasized the importance of addressing everyday examples of sexism and misogyny that are often dismissed as harmless, such as sexist jokes or disrespect towards women in local sporting clubs. By not accepting this behavior and standing up against it, men can combat these harmful attitudes.
Our Watch suggests various actions that men can take to prevent violence against women, including using body language to show disapproval, challenging sexist jokes by redirecting the conversation, and supporting women by checking in with them. It's also essential for men in positions of leadership to use their influence to promote cultural change.
The most recent Our Watch study revealed that almost half of men feel pressured to conform to traditional masculine stereotypes, with a significant percentage of men feeling this pressure within sporting clubs. Chawla pointed out that men do not suddenly become violent towards their partners; it often starts with seemingly harmless behavior such as locker-room talk or objectifying women. These attitudes not only lead to violence but also have negative effects on men's mental and physical health.
Positive examples of masculinity, especially in sports, can be powerful in promoting gender equality and reaching a wider audience. The Red Heart Campaign, which tracks gender-based violence, has reported that 86 women have been killed this year alone. This issue affects all communities and cultures, with 39% of women experiencing some form of violence since the age of 15. Shockingly, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner.
Patty Kinnersly, the chief executive of Our Watch, stressed the importance of breaking down harmful stereotypes and educating men and boys about the root causes of violence against women. She emphasized that men who adhere to rigid ideas of masculinity are more likely to engage in violent behavior. Kinnersly recognized that men play a crucial role in preventing violence and that it's essential to address the harmful attitudes that underpin it.
To reach men and boys, Our Watch has launched resources for youth workers and those working with men to prevent and end violence against women. Kinnersly acknowledged that young men are bombarded with conflicting messages about what it means to be a man, including harmful ideas perpetuated in social media and popular culture. By educating them about healthy expressions of masculinity, we can prevent violence before it starts and create a safer and more respectful society.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT. In case of an emergency, call Triple Zero. Help is also available from the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
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