The prevalence of men's violence in Australia is confronting. Recent statistics reveal that men perpetrate physical and sexual violence at disproportionate rates. For example:
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The overwhelming majority (87%) of homicide offenders are men (AIC).
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Men account for almost three in four (74%) offenders whose principal offence was an 'act intended to cause injury', and almost four in five (79%) family and domestic violence offenders (ABS).
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Where police have initiated proceedings for sexual offences, almost all (93%) alleged sexual offenders were men (AIC).
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Women are around 32 times more likely to have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15 from a man than a woman (ABS).
Importantly, the relationship between men and violence cuts both ways. Most homicide victims (65%) are also men (AIC), and men are significantly more likely to experience physical violence from a man than a woman (ABS). Tragically, too, men are around 3 times more likely to die by suicide than women (ABS).
The meteoric rise of 'manfluencers' like Andrew Tate and online appeal of the 'manosphere' have brought regressive masculine norms and beliefs back into the spotlight. The Man Box 2024 report found that men who strongly subscribe these types of norms and beliefs are more likely to have perpetrated violence, hold violence-supportive attitudes, have consumed violent pornography, and have a range of poor health outcomes. However, the report also confirms that many men do not subscribe to these norms and beliefs.
It is against this backdrop that the Australian Government's rapid review of prevention approaches called for a national, coordinated and co-designed approach to 'engaging with men and boys, and on healthy masculinities and violence prevention' and 'improving the national evidence base, quality, capability, and supply of men’s behaviour change programs'.
This Folio Conversation with Tarang Chawla will explore men, masculinities, and violence. We'll delve into why and how many men use violence in their interpersonal relationships, men's responsibility for a culture that condones violence, and the role that all men can play in preventing violence.
This event is part of a collection of events and curated content on the theme, 'Disrupting Violence'. This theme explores the complexity and manifestations of gender-based violence (including family, domestic and sexual violence) and how we might work together to create a safe and equal future for all women and children.
Tarang Chawla
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Tarang Chawla is an award-winning writer, advocate, speaker, podcast host, and recovering lawyer.
Tarang co-founded Not One More Niki, a grassroots non-profit working to end men’s violence against women named in memory of his younger sister Nikita, who was murdered by her partner in 2015.
Tarang currently serves as Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission, where he brings the voices and lived experiences of culturally diverse people to policymakers. He is also a sessional academic at Monash University, a senior consultant at Diversity Partners, and Trust Advisor to the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.
Previously, Tarang was Director of Diversity & Inclusion Programs at Future Women, a non-executive director of the Australian Republic Movement, and a founding board member of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council alongside 2015 Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, where he advised both state and federal governments on family violence reform.
Tarang wrote, produced and hosted the acclaimed podcast, There's No Place Like Home, which puts survivors of family violence at the centre of the story. He is also a frequent media commentator on social issues from masculinities, gender equality, racism, mental health, politics and Indo-Australian relations. His work can be seen on all Australian media outlets, as well as on the BBC, CNN and Times of India.
Tarang holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) double degree and a Diploma in Arts (Gender Studies) with first-class honours from The University of Melbourne.
Tarang lives in Melbourne with his stubborn bulldog Habibi and spends his spare time obsessing over tie knots, polishing shoes, and rating the men’s outfits at The Oscars.
Event Details
We will be serving drinks and nibbles from 6pm onwards, with the conversation starting at 6:30pm.
