Study finds 1 in 3 men used intimate partner violence

A Government-funded survey of 24,000 men has found one in three men have used a form of intimate partner violence (IPV).

The ‘Ten to Men’ research initiative has measured men’s mental health through surveys for more than a decade.

It began with a group of almost 16,000 boys and men in 2013, and has since increased its cohort to 24,000.

The study defines IPV as any behaviour in an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm.

Study

Ten to Men is the largest longitudinal study on male health globally. Longitudinal data is collected from the same group of participants over a long period of time, beginning in 2013.

This initiative has also added more men and boys over time, reaching a total cohort of 24,000.

The study measures mental health and wellbeing, paternal relationships, demographics, social support, and life satisfaction.

This round of data was collected in 2022.

Findings

The report found men who reported “moderate or severe” depression in the 2013 wave of data were 62% more likely to use IPV by 2022 than men who didn’t.

The study concluded that “aspects of men’s mental health are associated with their use of IPV.”

You have read 0 articles this year.

Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.

Men who received higher levels of social support, and affection from fathers and father figures during childhood, were significantly less likely to use IPV. This was particularly true for men whose father figures showed them affection.

Ten to Men estimates up to 25% of Australian men will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2024, almost one in four women (23%) and one in 14 men had experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15.

The study found men aged 18 to 24 reported the biggest increase in the use of IPV since the study began.

However, this could be due to the fact that the study began surveying this cohort when many were children, so they were yet to have intimate relationships.

Stakeholders

Program lead Dr Sean Martin said that the data provides “a set of risk factors to help support the development of effective policies and programs for young men”.

He added: “Depressive symptoms and a lack of social connection aren’t an excuse… but they do signal we could be building more supports around men early on, for the sake of their future partners, children and communities.”