The AFL Grand Final is not an excuse for violence
Sep 25, 2023
Grand Final Day is the perfect teachable opportunity to have a conversation about respect. Respect on the field, respect of fellow supporters, respect towards family and partners, as well as respectful behaviour and the relationship to alcohol.
According to a VicHealth report about drinking cultures and sports events: Police recorded that gender based family incidents were significantly elevated on Melbourne Cup Day and on the day of the AFL Grand Final.
Thanks to the Australian Government’s Violence Against Women: Let’s Stop It At The Start Campaign, we can learn about the strong evidence that tells us that:
“Not all disrespect towards women results in violence. But all violence against women starts with disrespectful behaviour.”
A common refrain I see online is ‘It’s not all men.’ Of course it isn't; however, we all need to criticise the sexism and violence that some men perpetrate, often multiple times and against multiple victims. Even one violent male committing sexual assault is one too many. We all need to do something about it.
Sexual violence in particular, has devastating health and wellbeing consequences. A recent Australian Government report estimated that one in five women (18 per cent) and one in 20 men (4.7 percent) had experienced sexual assault or sexual threat since the age of 15 (Australian Government 2020). Most sexual assault offenders recorded by police are male, known to the victim and of a similar age. Males aged 15 to 19 have the highest offender rates of any age group (Australian Government 2020).There are strong predictors and patterns of behaviour common to those men who become hostile and violent towards women specifically. These are especially related to low levels of support for gender equity, and include:
- acceptance of rigid gender stereotypes and roles
- condoning violence against women
- men controlling decision-making and limiting women's independence
- having peer relationships that focus on aggression and disrespect towards women.
Conversations about respect should also include breaking down rigid gender stereotypes. They are another well-documented cause of family violence and disrespect. Recently in a class of 11-year-olds, when I mentioned that we were going to talk about rigid gender stereotypes and power imbalances a boy yelled out “Yeh powerful!!!” with his fist in the air and flexing his muscle, suggesting men are more powerful than women. By the end of the class the teachers were nearly in tears with how powerful and positive the peer discussion was that resulted from one of the age appropriate respectful relationship gender stereotypes activity I conducted.
To help reduce family violence and violence against women, we need to target disrespectful behaviour and beliefs as well as break down high-risk gender stereotypes that kids develop from a young age. We can work towards achieving this through adults changing behaviour and attitudes, and ensuring education throughout the informative school years.
This video from Our Watch, Let's change the story: Violence against women in Australia, discusses the idea that ending violence against women starts with gender equality.
Disrespect starts with the beliefs and attitudes we develop from a young age. Our children form their beliefs from the world around them – what they hear, see and talk about, and from the stories, people and experiences that are an integral part of their childhood. Use these parent resources to help you think about rigid gender stereotypes and how they affect your children.
What are risky gender stereotypes? The AFL Equality Series Gender Equality Resources lists these:
“The below examples outline some traditional attitudes and behaviours relating to gender that are considered risky and lead to unhealthy relationships between men and women:
- For Women
- Women clean, cook and look after the children
- Women should earn less money than men and don’t need an education
- Women should be feminine and emotional, and shouldn’t have jobs such as a mechanic or truck driver, or play masculine sports
- For Men
- Men are strong and good at sports, like fishing, camping and being outdoors
- Men should be in charge of a relationship
- Men don’t cook, clean, sew or do crafts, and do not get emotional
The Line is another resource for adults to dig deep into exploring your own gender stereotype beliefs:
“Men tend to be more prone to becoming hostile and violent towards women if they:
- have been socialised to adopt rigid, traditional gender roles and stereotypes (e.g., men should be competitive and dominant; women should be cooperative and nurturing) (VicHealth, 2007),
- believe that men’s superiority over women is a ‘natural order’ that should be preserved (Reidy et al., 2009),
- feel their masculinity or authority has been threatened – particularly if women have not complied with their gender role expectations (Gallagher & Parrott, 2011)”
This cluster of interacting factors that underpin the most common pattern of domestic violence are identified from decades of research by Australia’s leading domestic violence prevention agencies, such as Our Watch, VicHealth, DVRCV* and ANROWS as outlined in an article by Dr Peter Streker in Psychology Today October 2015, Volume 37 | Issue 5
Parents, you play a vital role in ensuring the safety of your kids. Teach them about respect via ongoing conversations and teachable moments. Buy my new book ‘Talking Sex: A Conversation Guide for Parents” to learn about how to facilitate these discussions with your children.
More resources for you below:
My NEW BOOK “Talking Sex: A Conversation Guide for Parents”
RESPECT women: Preventing violence against women World Health Organisation resources
Links to related blogs:
Teachable moments that lead to teachable statements
The Cycle Of Violence Against Women Starts With Disrespect – An Essential Checklist For Every Parent
Today's news: Rape & teen shares the video on social media. Parents, use this as a teachable moment
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