Launch of the National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women 2009

"Changing Cultures Changing Attitudes"

The Hon. Tanya Plibersek, MP, Minister for Housing and Minister for the Status of Women, launched the National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women 2009, in Melbourne on April 7, 2010.

White Ribbon Ambassador and CEO of VicHealth, Todd Harper, spoke at the launch, emphasizing the important role men can play by talking about the issue with their peers, family and communities.

Thank you to all of the White Ribbon Ambassadors who attended the launch. The strong White Ribbon presence received a special mention by Ms Plibersek on the day.

The report commended White Ribbon’s positive engagement of men and boys in community action, and stated that "[e]ngaging men and boys in playing positive roles in ending violence against women is a crucial element of primary prevention”.

Outlining opportunities for change, the survey found that:

• Men and boys are more likely than women to hold violence-supportive attitudes.
• Men and boys are key agents and stakeholders in the social change process required to reshape masculinity and its role in violence.
• Men and boys can positively influence the attitudes and behaviours of other men and boys.

You can download a PDF of the survey here.