What drives violence?

Preventing men’s violence against women focuses on the culture that shapes individual behaviours that allow violence to occur. There are four factors that evidence has shown most consistently drive violence against women:

Condoning of violence against women. This can look like:

• Telling sexist jokes or jokes about rape
• Blaming a woman for not leaving a violent partner
• The belief that domestic violence is a normal reaction to stress
• Legal practices and media headlines highlighting what a victim of sexual assault was wearing or drinking.

Men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life. This can look like:

• The idea that men should be ‘in charge’ in their relationships and the bosses at work
• Laws that limit reproductive rights
• A lack of women in leadership positions
• Female-dominated industries that are paid less.

Rigid gender stereotyping and dominant forms of masculinity. This can look like:

• Men believing they are entitled to sex
• The belief that women should be submissive to men
• The idea that men must be tough and in charge, never cry or show their feelings
• Phrases like “boys will be boys” and referring to girls as “bossy” when they express their opinion.

Male peer relations and cultures of masculinity that emphasise aggression, dominance and control. This can look like:

• Men using sexist or homophobic jokes to bond
• Boys and young men sharing sexual photos of women without their consent
• A man wanting to appear in control of his partner in front of his friends
• The belief that sexual harassment in male-dominated workplaces is to be expected.

While the drivers of men’s violence against women are well understood, we’re continuing to build knowledge of what drives other forms of family violence. Read more about Respect Victoria’s work to build this evidence on our Research and Policy page.