Latest news with #fathers
SBS Australia
a day ago
- Health
- SBS Australia
One in three Australian men admit to using intimate partner violence, new national study finds
This article contains references to domestic violence. Mental ill health and poor father-son relationships have been revealed as key factors that could contribute to men's violence against women. A longitudinal study conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) surveyed men and boys in 2013/14 and again in 2022 for critical insights into factors influencing the use of violence. The research has produced the first national estimate of male intimate partner violence perpetration, with the 2022 study finding more than one-in-three Australian men aged 18 to 65 have used intimate partner violence in their lifetime. This is up from one-in-four men who reported ever having used intimate partner violence among the same cohort surveyed in 2014. The latest study also found an estimated 120,000 men nationally were starting to use violence for the first time each year. Emotional-type abuse was the most common form of intimate partner violence, with 32 per cent of men in 2022 reporting they had ever made an intimate partner feel "frightened or anxious". Meanwhile, 9 per cent reported ever "hitting, slapping, kicking or otherwise physically hurting" an intimate partner when they were angry. Mental health and quality relationships with their fathers were found to have an impact on men's use of violence. Men with moderate or severe depressive symptoms were 62 per cent more likely to use intimate partner violence. The correlation between depression and violence did not mean one caused the other, but it was important to be aware of the impact of mental health, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin said. "This sort of data gives us really good evidence on how to target interventions and investment," she told AAP. "It tells us that we need to be aware of the prevalence and the number of men using violence, and recognise that if someone is talking to a GP about their mental health, for example, it's worth asking those extra questions about their use of violence." Men who felt strongly that they had a quality relationship with a father or father figure during childhood, marked with affection, were 48 per cent less likely to report ever having used intimate partner violence. Cronin said paternal relationships where boys could talk about their feelings with their fathers appeared to be a protective factor against using violence later in life. The longitudinal data provided a set of risk factors to help develop effective policies and programs for young men, report co-author Sean Martin said. "Understanding the risk factors to these behaviours is critical," he said. Newly appointed Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the research was concerning but not surprising. "To end domestic and family violence we need to invest in the frontline services that help people and keep them safe, but we also need to stop the behaviours that lead to it," she said. "Obviously that trend is in completely the wrong direction and it's very important that we continue to focus on getting those numbers down," she said. "This report is useful because it also presents us with some of the key protective factors that make it much less likely that men will use violence. It shows that good mental health, good social connection and good relationship with a father or father figure early in life are very strong, very strong protective factors." Plibersek said the Labor government had committed an additional $1 billion to mental health services, including the rollout of Medicare walk-in mental health clinics. If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
The Guardian
a day ago
- Health
- The Guardian
One in three Australian men say they have committed intimate partner violence, world-first research finds
One in three Australian men has reported committing domestic violence, world-first research has found – and the same research has identified new ways to tackle it. The Australian Institute of Family Studies found fostering affectionate relationships between sons and fathers (or father figures) was associated with reducing the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) by as much as 48%. The AIFS Ten To Men Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health is the largest of its kind. It started tracking about 16,000 boys and men in 2013-14, and in 2023-24 added another 10,000 men to the database. Having good social supports is another protective factor, according to the AIFS report based on the study's robust data up to 2022. Men who reported high levels of social support all the time in 2013-14 were 26% less likely to report committing IPV by 2022. Mental health issues such as depression can increase the incidence of violence. Men with moderate or severe depressive symptoms in 2013-14 were 62% more likely to report committing IPV by 2022, while those with mild depressive symptoms were 32% more likely. Those who had experienced suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts were 47% more likely. The report said it was 'essential to acknowledge that only a minority of men experiencing depressive symptoms will later use [IPV]'. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Ten to Men respondents were surveyed about 'their use of, and experience of' IPV, and invited to provide yes/no answers to questions including: Have you ever behaved in a manner that has made a partner feel frightened or anxious? (emotional-type abuse) Have you ever hit, slapped, kicked or otherwise physically hurt a partner when you were angry? (physical violence) Among respondents by 2022, 32% reported committing emotional abuse, while about 9% reported physically abusing their partner. By 2022, about 25% of men had committed and experienced IPV, compared with 10% reporting only committing it. The study focused on mental health and social and familial support as factors in IPV, and did not look at other known factors – for example, masculine norms and alcohol and drug use were noted as 'important' but not within the study's scope. While the report noted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men have been identified as a priority group within the National Men's Health Strategy 2020–2030, they were not analysed as a separate group in the report, because of small sample sizes. Ten to Men program lead Dr Sean Martin said focusing on men's mental health was good in itself, but he said the research also suggested a broader benefit for their families and communities. He said, overall, a 'really complex mix of factors' influenced the chances someone would become a perpetrator. 'It really is this Gordian knot of individual relationships, society, cultural, and attitudinal factors,' he said. He said the study aimed for 'a detailed look at some key factors', as well as providing estimates. 'For us, that was things like mental health and suicide. 'It was also protective factors: we were particularly looking at social connection and paternal affection, because a lot of previous work has been on parental affection but that usually meant maternal.' Micaela Cronin, Australia's domestic, family and sexual violence commissioner, said the findings should help inform evidence-based policies. 'If we are going to end gender-based violence we need to understand more about pathways in to violence, what are protective factors, and what are pathways out,' she said. Cronin said it was 'powerful' to see the results about 'affectionate, close relationships with fathers and father figures' and young boys. 'But we need to unpack that and understand it more,' she said. 'What are the elements of it that really lead to strong role models?' In 2013-14, about one in four men aged 18 to 57 (24%) in the study had reported committing a form of IPV, according to the report. By 2022, that had risen to one in three. When that data is extrapolated to Australia's population, it suggests each year, on average, about 120,000 men are committing IPV for the first time. AIFS director, Liz Neville, said that showed clearly the 'devastating consequences' of delays in effective interventions. 'Each act of violence harms individuals, families and communities. We hope these disturbing numbers provide the impetus for further action by governments at all levels, underpinned by evidence,' she said. The federal government pledged in 2022 to end family and domestic violence in one generation. Australia's National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032 has been criticised by some people for its emphasis on gender equality as a primary prevention method, over intervention on specific risk factors. After an uptick in alleged intimate partner homicide, the government convened a panel of experts last year to do a 'rapid review' of prevention approaches. In response to that, and a review of legal assistance, Anthony Albanese announced a $4.7bn, five-year plan to deal with what he has called the 'national crisis' in domestic violence. The new social services minister, Tanya Plibersek, said the AIFS findings were 'concerning, but sadly not surprising'. 'It's critical that we look at the factors that might lead to violence so we can make sure we're funding programs that stop it at the start,' Plibersek said. 'To end domestic and family violence we need to invest in the frontline services that help people and keep them safe, but we also need to stop the behaviours that lead to it.' The study's findings will be used in briefings to governments and policymakers. 'I will be raising it in every forum I can to ensure attention is paid to it,' Cronin said. Martin said there were 'a lot of things we can do now', but he said also that 'the broader cultural shifts will take time'. In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978. The national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732.
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Super Dad Awards Season 2: Celebrating the strength of fatherhood in style
After a heartwarming debut that left audiences inspired, the Super Dad Awards is making its highly anticipated return with Season 2, set to take place on June 14, 2025, at the stunning JW Marriott Hotel Marina. This one-of-a-kind event, brought to life by 321 Events DMCC, is back to honour the everyday heroes we call Dad — just in time for UAE Father's Day. The Super Dad Awards Season 2 promises to be a powerful celebration of fatherhood in all its forms — from nurturing caregivers and fitness enthusiasts to style icons and wise mentors. With ten unique award categories, this year's edition will showcase the heart, hustle, and humanity of dads across the UAE. Whether he's leading by example, cheering from the sidelines, or quietly holding everything together behind the scenes — every dad has a story worth telling. And this June, those stories will take centre stage. Guests can expect an unforgettable evening of glamour and gratitude, featuring a red-carpet welcome, emotional nominee tributes, live entertainment, and a curated three-course gala dinner — all set against the backdrop of a truly luxurious venue. Zoha Beig, founder of 321 Events DMCC, shared her vision: 'The Super Dad Awards isn't just an event — it's a movement. It's about bringing visibility to the strength, love, and sacrifices of fathers who too often go unrecognised. Season 2 is our tribute to them, and we can't wait to celebrate in a way that's as grand as their impact.'
Times
12-05-2025
- General
- Times
‘Boomerang' adults back in family home by average age of 26
Nearly a quarter of parents with adult children have seen them move back in to the family home only two years after leaving it, according to a survey. The survey, commissioned by NatWest, found that the average age of children moving back home was 26, although just over one fifth (21 per cent) of those who do so are over 30. The adult children of some parents surveyed had returned with their partners or children in tow. • We're siblings and bought a house together — here's how we did it NatWest said 42 per cent of mothers surveyed would welcome their children back as adults, as would 34 per cent of fathers. Sixty per cent of parents said they charged or would charge rent.
ABC News
07-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
VIDEO: Men seek perinatal support on helpline
A call service for new and expecting parents facing perinatal and infant mental health symptoms has seen a rise in the number of men seeking help.
