Landmark Australian study reveals crucial factors that lead to intimate partner violence

Landmark Australian study reveals crucial factors that lead to intimate partner violence

A landmark Australian study has found a third of male respondents have used intimate partner violence. An RMIT expert unpacks the key findings of the Ten to Men study and explains that to protect women, we also need to support men.

Dr Anastasia Powell, Professor of Family and Sexual Violence 

“The findings of the Ten to Men report really point to a need for violence prevention and early intervention with men at different points in their life. 

“Perhaps the most important findings from the report are the crucial roles mental health, social connections, and positive relationships with fathers and father-like figures, play in men’s risk of using partner violence. 

“Another crucial result of the report is that men’s use of violence does not differ meaningfully according to demographic background. We cannot assume intimate partner violence is more or less likely among particular regions, classes, sexualities or cultures. 

“Addressing the barriers to supports, including the expectations on men to tough it out alone, might be among the keys to stopping partner violence. 

“Supporting men’s positive parenting relationships, breaking down rigid gender expectations, encouraging men to connect socially and seek support, as well as identifying men at risk, all have a role to play in ending partner violence. 

“There is an ongoing need to fund men's behaviour change programs but we cannot forget the importance of funding prevention and early intervention programs with men.” 

Professor Anastasia Powell is a criminologist specialising in prevention, policy and practice reform addressing family and sexual violence. 

***

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

04 June 2025

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04 June 2025

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