A NATIONAL survey into domestic violence highlighted some “extremely disappointing” attitudes, a south-west support service chief said.
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Emma House manager Pat McLaren spoke yesterday after the release of results from a nationwide VicHealth survey about attitudes towards violence against women.
The specialist domestic violence service manager said it was extremely disappointing some negative attitudes towards domestic violence persisted.
“One in four women experience abuse. That means there are considerable numbers of men out there who still believe involving themselves in domestic violence is OK,” she said.
“That figure has not decreased in any way during my 16 years in this job but the rates of reporting has increased dramatically in the last five years.” Ms McLaren urged women experiencing domestic violence to seek specialist help.
“We must never forget that the most dangerous time is when a women tries to separate from a dangerous partner,” she said.
“Women need to get in touch with organisations like our’s which can assist to leave safely. Always involve police when you feel at risk and don’t tell your partner you’re leaving.”
Ms McLaren said it was heartening to see that men allegedly involved in domestic violence were being remanded in custody by Warrnambool courts.
She said the way forward was through prevention and teaching young men and women early in life that domestic violence was never acceptable.
“It’s about cultural change. The more it’s reported in the paper, the more domestic violence is unacceptable — just like the road toll, smoking and excessive drinking,” she said.
South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault manager Mary Clapham said the community was now more accepting of hearing about domestic violence.
However, she said there was still a strong tendency to blame the victim rather than the perpetrators.
The VicHealth survey involved more than 17,500 20-minute telephone interviews with a cross-section of Australians aged 16 and older.
The survey found an alarming number of Australians believed the victim was at least partly to blame, particularly if she is drunk.
A sizeable proportion also believed there were circumstances in which it could be excused.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact CASA on 5564 4144 or 1800 806292 or Emma House on 5561 1934.
