Younger generations in Australia have a deep-seated fear about violence and aggression in Australia. A 16 year old high school student in Melbourne, Mikaylah Lennon, has made it her mission to speak out about this issue.

As she took the stage in class, Mikaylah shared, “Violence against women is a serious and widespread problem in Australia. But violence against women is also preventable. To prevent violence against women we need to understand it. This page provides information on the prevalence and nature of violence in Australia.

“Violence against women is any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of acts, such as coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.

“In Australia, violence against women is called many different things, including domestic violence, family violence, intimate partner violence, coercive control, online abuse, stalking, workplace sexual harassment, street harassment and sexual assault. Our definition includes all these forms of violence against women. You can find full definitions in types of violence against women.

“Violence against women is experienced across all communities and cultures. However, its nature, prevalence and risk factors differ within population groups. Below are some key statistics related to the Australian population:

• 2 in 5 women (39%) have experienced violence since the age of 15
• Men are more commonly the perpetrators of physical violence, sexual harassment and sexual violence
• Women are more likely to experience violence from someone they know than by a stranger (35% vs 11%)
• On average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner
• In the year 2021/22, 4,620 women aged 15 years and over (average of 13 women/day) were hospitalised due to family and domestic violence
• 1 in 4 women (27%) has experienced violence, emotional abuse, or economic abuse by a cohabitating partner since the age of 15
• 1 in 3 women (31%) has experienced physical violence since the age of 15
• 1 in 5 women (22%) has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15
• 1 in 2 women (53%) has experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime
• In most incidents of workplace sexual harassment, the perpetrator was male
• Women are at increased risk of experiencing violence from an intimate partner during pregnancy
• Women who have experienced violence are more likely to experience multiple incidents of violence
• 1 in 6 women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner, while for men it is 1 in 16
• 1 in 6 women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner, while for men it is 1 in 16
• 75% of victims of domestic violence reported the perpetrator as male, while 25% reported the perpetrator as female.

“In this article I am going to be speaking about men’s use of violence and its impact on all of society. Before I progress further into this topic, I would like to acknowledge that this is a sensitive topic and anyone who feels like they need to leave the room is welcome to. If you feel like you need support 1800 respect is a free service you can contact.

“I’d like to acknowledge the victim survivors of men’s violence and also the 43 women that have been murdered by a man so far this year in Australia and the 266 male victims of homicide last year also in Australia. Yes, women can commit and have committed acts of violence, and majority of men aren’t violent. But the statistics do not lie and show us who the much more common perpetrator of violence is, and that is men. Men’s use of violence is endemic and overlooked and is in need of an urgent solution.

“In Australia on average there are around 1300 car accidents every year. In comparison around 32,000 women report sexual assault each year, let me emphasise the word, ‘report’. Sexual assault isn’t the only form of violence, 1 in 6 women have experienced a from of physical or sexual violence from a former or current partner.

“75% of victims of domestic violence reported the perpetrator as male. Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women, it also has severe impacts on health, income, employment and education. Outside of the home, 1 in 2 women are sexually harassed by a male in the workplace in their lifetime. It is a constant struggle to grow up in the horrific reality of this society as a young woman. If you are privileged enough to not have experienced this yourself or know someone who has, let me put things into perspective for you.

“It is too dangerous to be walking alone, to leave your drink unattended, have to have your friends constantly look out for you and you look out for them in every day situations, to have to watch what you wear in case a man can’t keep his hands to himself, or even just to be worried about turning up to work because of your creepy boss. This is the reality. This is the reality of the girls sitting in this room, the reality of your mother and will be the reality of your daughter if things do not change. It is extremely likely for someone you know that home is the least safe place.

“Everything I just spoke about is probably very predictable to you. You might’ve been aware of some of those horrendous statistics. But somehow, this doesn’t seem to be convincing enough to create change. So what if we look at this problem through a difference lens.

“How does men’s violence impact on men themselves? Did you know that men are the most likely to suffer from physical violence perpetrated by another man outside the home by an unknown stranger. Let me remind you of the impacts of physical violence, this includes permanent brain damage, physical health issues, loss of income and mental health issues.

“Not only are young girls common victims of violence, but young boys too. Men’s violence puts children as a whole in danger and is one of the LEADING causes of poor health into adulthood and can be a cause of repeating the cycle of violence as well as poor mental health and risk of suicide.

“Or perhaps you will be interested in money? Violence perpetrated by men has a massive toll on our economy. In 2015-16 violence against women and children was estimated to cost our economy $22 billion, not including unreported cases and other forms of male violence. The costs effect everyone, including you. Are you happy to hand over money from your wallet right now for extra tax? Or your family having limited access to healthcare in an emergency because of the financial recourses that have to be dedicated to addressing male violence?

“In summary, men’s use of violence is impacting all of us, depending how you look at it, everyone is a victim. There are multiple organisations dedicated to attempting to fix this ongoing problem. There are government plans and royal commissions in place to try and provide help, though the murder rate of women in particular this year is growing more than usual. Although zero should be the usual number. So if our government can’t even fix it… who can?

“I wonder if something that could potentially make an impact on this issue is our generation. What if we didn’t excuse disgusting behaviour as “boys will be boys”. What if each of us call it out, including calling out your own mates instead of tolerating it for validation. What if every person took responsibility and committed to a bare minimum standard that isn’t perpetrating violence? What if we raise our children differently? Perhaps our generation can be the ones to put an end to the endemic of male violence. Thankyou,” shared 16 year old high school student, Mikaylah Lennon, as she folded her notes and resumed her seat in class.

Better Place Australia services to help women

Better Place Australia provides numerous professional services to support women. These include: Elder Abuse Prevention Services; Family Dispute Resolution; and Counselling for Individuals. Better Place Australia can be contacted on 1800 639 523 or via online enquiry.