A landmark national study has revealed a troubling increase in intimate partner violence (IPV) among Australian men, with over one in three admitting to using such violence in their lifetime. Experts say poor mental health and fractured relationships with fathers are key contributing factors.
The Ten to Men longitudinal study, conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), offers the first national estimate of male-perpetrated IPV. It surveyed more than 16,000 men and boys in 2013–14 and again in 2022, uncovering that 34% of men aged 18 to 65 reported engaging in emotional, psychological, or physical abuse toward a partner.
This marks a significant rise from the 25% who admitted the same behavior in the 2014 survey.
Emotional Abuse Most Common Form
The study found that emotional abuse is the most widespread form of IPV, with nearly one in three men (32%) reporting they had made a partner feel frightened or anxious. Nine percent admitted to physical violence—such as hitting or slapping a partner—when angry.
An estimated 120,000 men are beginning to use violence for the first time each year in Australia, suggesting both a social and mental health crisis.
Mental Health a Significant Risk Factor
Men experiencing moderate to severe depression were 62% more likely to commit IPV. While the study does not claim that depression directly causes violence, it highlights how untreated mental health issues can influence harmful behavior.
“This data gives us valuable insights into where and how we should intervene,” said Micaela Cronin, Australia’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner. “GPs and mental health professionals need to ask the right questions—not just about mental health, but also about behavior in relationships.”
The findings reinforce calls for integrated approaches in health and domestic violence services, especially in early intervention settings.
Father-Son Bonds Show Protective Impact
A notable protective factor was the quality of father-son relationships. Men who felt close to their fathers or father figures during childhood—especially those who could express their emotions openly—were 48% less likely to report IPV behaviors later in life.
“These insights are essential for shaping effective prevention programs, especially for younger boys and men,” said study co-author Sean Martin. “Good paternal relationships appear to help reduce emotional repression and aggressive tendencies.”
Government Response: Prevention and Support Services Needed
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek described the findings as “deeply concerning, but not surprising,” emphasizing the need to tackle both prevention and crisis response.
“To stop domestic and family violence, we must support people in crisis, but we also have to stop these behaviors from starting in the first place,” Plibersek said.
The Albanese government has pledged an additional $1 billion toward mental health services, including walk-in Medicare clinics, aiming to boost accessibility and early support.
“The research clearly shows that improving mental health, fostering strong social connections, and supporting father-son relationships are key to reducing the likelihood of violence,” Plibersek added.
A Long-Term Look at Men’s Health
The findings are part of the ongoing Ten to Men study—Australia’s largest longitudinal study into men’s health—funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The study has expanded in 2024–25 to include another 10,000 participants, further deepening insights into the links between mental wellbeing, relationships, and behavior.
Experts urge a comprehensive response that brings together health professionals, educators, families, and community leaders to shift the trajectory of intimate partner violence.
