What drives violence?

These factors show up in our attitudes, our relationships, workplaces, schools, communities, and online. We see them in media, and in the policies, laws and institutions that shape our lives; they are normalised.  

But when these factors are a ‘normal’ part of society, so is violence against women.  

Recognising how these factors influence and contribute to violent behaviour is important for everyone to know.

What are the drivers of violence against women?

Condoning of violence against women

This can look like:

• making sexist comments, or ‘joking’ about violence like rape 
• blaming a woman for not leaving a violent partner
• the belief that domestic violence is a normal reaction to stress
• legal practices and media headlines highlighting what a victim of sexual assault was wearing or drinking.

Men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life

This can look like:

• the idea that men should be ‘in charge’ in their relationships and the bosses at work
• laws that limit reproductive rights
• a lack of women in leadership positions
• female-dominated industries that are paid less.

Rigid gender stereotyping and dominant forms of masculinity

This can look like:

• men believing they are entitled to sex
• the belief that women should be submissive to men
• the idea that men must be tough and in charge, never cry or show their feelings
• phrases like “boys will be boys” and referring to girls as “bossy” when they express their opinion.

Male peer relations and cultures of masculinity that emphasise aggression, dominance and control

This can look like:

• a man wanting to appear in control of his partner in front of his friends
• men using sexist or homophobic jokes to bond
• boys and young men sharing sexual photos of women without their consent
• the belief that sexual harassment in male-dominated workplaces is to be expected.

While the drivers of men’s violence against women are well understood, we’re continuing to build knowledge of what drives other forms of family violence. Read more about Respect Victoria’s work to build this evidence.

More factors contributing to violence

There are also other factors that can affect the likeliness, frequency and severity of violence against women and family violence. Some of these are described as the reinforcing factors of violence. 

Additionally, overlapping – or 'intersecting' – forms of oppression and discrimination can increase the likeliness and severity of violence. This means that someone might experience violence that is also driven by racism, colonialism, ableism, homophobia or transphobia, ageism and/or class discrimination. 

Previous experience of systemic marginalisation and oppression can also make a person more likely to experience gendered violence. It can then make accessing support services more difficult in a variety of ways.