NEW findings from peak prevention organisation Our Watch have found more than a quarter of young people hold attitudes that put them at risk of perpetrating or tolerating violence against women.
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Troubling statistics like this have prompted the group - which is pushing for an end to violence against women and their children - to launch a new campaign with the message: “You can’t undo violence”.
The group's research revealed many young people hold “disturbing” gender attitudes which support violence against women, as a third of people aged 12 to 24 do not think exerting control over someone is a form of violence.
One in four thought it was “pretty normal” for a guy to pressure a girl into sex and a quarter did not think it was serious if a “normally gentle” guy slapped his girlfriend when he was drunk during an argument.
Griffith police crime co-ordinator Sergeant Cherie Knox said they took a zero-tolerance approach to domestic and family violence.
“A slap is an assault, irrespective of the reported nature of the person,” Sgt Knox said.
“Clearly they’re not a gentle person if they’re slapping someone.”
Controlling behaviour could be seen as domestic violence in some circumstances, according to Sgt Knox.
“Limiting access to money, access to vehicles, access to friends or a phone are all forms of domestic violence,” Sgt Knox said.
“It creates a pattern of behaviour which we are looking into more and more.
“We already refer all of our victims to the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Scheme for support. It’s not to force anyone into legal action, it’s about help and support and breaking the cycle as early as we can to ensure police aren’t involved in the future.”
Sgt Knox said anything to make someone be involved in a sexual act against their will was a very serious offence.
“Pressuring someone into sex can be seen as sexual assault,” she said.
“Any drink-spiking or any induced assault because of a drug is going to be taken quite seriously.”
Lisa O'Reilly, a member of Our Watch's digital youth committee, said social stereotypes about girls and boys could foster inequality in relationships.
The 19-year-old said couples needed to respect each other and communicate honestly about their relationships.
“We need to break down those barriers, so hopefully it won't be a norm in the future,” Ms O'Reilly said.
“I hope ... as people start to realise and talk about how this isn't OK, we will stop seeing so much acceptance and turning a blind eye to violence against women.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or sexual assault, phone 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
