More than 1 in 3 Australian men (35%) aged 18-65 years have used intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with an estimated 120,000 men nationally each year starting to use it for the first time.
The data from Ten to Men - the Australian Institute of Family Studies' (AIFS) longitudinal study of boys and men - is the first national estimate of male intimate partner violence perpetration in Australia.
When first surveyed in 2013-14 around 1 in 4 men reported ever having used intimate partner violence, with this number increasing to 1 in 3, from the same cohort of men, by 2022. The cumulative nature of this data, over a lifetime, provides critical insight into the number of men who start using intimate partner violence for the first time.
Emotional-type abuse was the most common form of intimate partner violence, with 32% of men in 2022 reporting they ever made an intimate partner feel 'frightened or anxious' with 9% ever 'hitting, slapping, kicking or otherwise physically hurting' an intimate partner when they were angry.
The study found high levels of social support and high levels of paternal affection both reduced the likelihood of men using intimate partner violence.
Men who reported high levels of social support 'all of the time' were 26% less likely to report using intimate partner violence. Men who felt strongly that they had a quality relationship with a father or father figure during childhood, marked with affection, were 48% less likely to report ever having used intimate partner violence.
Men with moderate or severe depressive symptoms were 62% more likely to use intimate partner violence by 2022, compared to men without these symptoms.
Intimate partner violence is a critical health issue in Australia and has recently been described as a national crisis by advocates, politicians and support services. The ABS estimates that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men are victim-survivors of intimate partner violence (2023).
This research indicates that programs that support men to develop good quality relationships with their children and partners based on mutual respect and affection - as well as initiatives that encourage men to develop strong social connections and seek support - could contribute to a reduction in use of intimate partner violence.
Ten To Men is the largest longitudinal study on male health in the world, and the only longitudinal study on Australian men with data on intimate partner violence. Funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the study has been tracking more than 16,000 boys and men since 2013 (with an additional 10,000 men added in 2024-25), asking them about significant issues such as gambling, drinking, drug use, family violence, social connection and mental health.
As put by Director, Australian Institute of Family Studies, Liz Neville:
"This unique data set, following men over a ten-year period, confirms the extent of the problem. With an estimated 120,000 men starting to use intimate partner violence each year across Australia, we can see more clearly how delays in effective interventions can have devastating consequences.
"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."
As put by Ten to Men Program Lead, Australian Institute of Family Studies, Dr Sean Martin:
"This longitudinal data provides, for the first time, a set of risk factors to help support the development of effective policies and programs for young men. Because intimate partner violence is such a significant and widespread issue - used by people of all ages and backgrounds - understanding the risk factors to these behaviours is critical.
"Depressive symptoms and a lack of social connection aren't an excuse by any means, as violence is always a choice - but they do signal where we could be building more supports around men early on, for the sake of their future partners, children and communities."
As put by Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
"This new research is 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.
"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. That's why the Albanese Labor Government is investing a record $4 billion in initiatives including prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery."
As put by Assistant Minister for Social Services, and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney:
"Even one man using intimate partner violence is one too many. That's why the Albanese Labor Government is investing a record amount in gender-based violence prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery.
"We want to stop intimate partner violence before it starts. To do so, we need to do more than respond to it, we need to understand it. That's why this data from Ten to Men is so important. By providing an understanding of what may lead to men using violence, the study gives us a better chance of identifying those at risk of offending and intervening to ensure the healthy development of young men and boys."
As put by Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Commissioner, Micaela Cronin:
"If we are going to achieve the National Plan objective to end gender-based violence in a generation it is critical that we better understand pathways into using violence and very importantly, both the protective factors and pathways out of using violence. This is a key priority for the DFSV Commission, and we have called out the importance of building the evidence base about men who use violence.
"This research delivers valuable insights, and the findings provide important guidance for governments on where to target action and investment. I commend AIFS on this important research and look forward to seeing these insights turned into action."
