Why family violence is a ‘men’s issue’
As Australia confronts horrifying levels of family violence, global leader on the issue Jackson Katz says it is no longer acceptable for domestic or sexual abuse to be seen as a women’s issue that some good men help with because that is part of the problem,
“These are men’s issues,” he said as he kicked off his Australian tour in Perth by speaking at a White Ribbon function.
He said three things needed to change to end gendered violence across the globe, including the use of passive victim blaming language, for men not to be confused between guilt and responsibility about who they are, and for men to take leadership in all corners of society by shutting down inappropriate jokes or conversations.
Once that happened the paradigm shifted, Mr Katz said, and the world would move quickly.
“Everybody is affected by men’s violence, it affects everyone,” he said.
“Saying it is a women’s issue is victim blaming. Men commit the vast proportion of violence, but it’s their behaviour that has to change.
“We need to get to a new paradigm and understand (domestic and family violence) as a men’s issue.
“Violence against women, who is doing it?
“Men’s violence against women is more honest.”
Each week in Australia thousands of women are turned away and cannot access urgent services they need to deal with the consequences of family and domestic violence.
Every four days a man kills a woman in Australia — usually their current or former partner — and it is a big problem happening all across the world.
As Australia confronts the horrific rates of family and domestic violence in the wake of recent tragedies, Mr Katz said he had not seen a country so committed to making systematic changes to address the crisis.
“We need more men talking about this so it becomes normal,” Mr Katz said.
He said many men got defensive about the use of honest language, but it was a barrier to the topic that held society back from changing.
“Victim blaming is prevalent in this world … but if we are trying to prevent violence we do not need to talk about women, the focus needs to be on men.
“Why do so many men abuse the women they are supposed to love?”
He said leadership in this area would be a gamechanger and everyone could play a constructive role in disrupting abusive behaviour.
“It is an all inclusive way that can be embedded in education, business and the workplace, this is a leadership issue for men,” he said.
“Women’s leadership provided the archetype we need to shift gears for the world to change more quickly.
“If men take responsibility we can muster more resources so the mountains will move much more quickly.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact:
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
24-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588
Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937
National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212
SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090
Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817
Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122
Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1
Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800
Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14
Men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, should contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or the Don’t Become That Man helpline on 1300 243 413
