The Minns Labor Government is investing $3.5 million to better support healthy behaviours in men and boys, as the Government releases new research into domestic, family and sexual violence.
The NSW Man Box 2025 report sheds light on how male attitudes towards masculinity influence domestic, family and sexual violence.
The 'Man Box' refers to a set of social 'rules' that pressure men to behave according to rigid masculine norms such as being dominant or emotionally closed off.
Most NSW men reject dangerous stereotypes - with more work to do
The NSW Government funded a state-specific analysis of the Jesuit Social Services Man Box research, which found most men and boys in NSW reject traditional male stereotypes such as appearing tough and in control.
But the report shows men who strongly agree with these 'rules' are more likely to perpetrate sexual harassment and intimate partner violence.
Among more than 1,200 New South Wales men surveyed:
- Over one-third of men reported sexually harassing a woman in the past month, with 18% admitting to frequent harassment.
- Almost one third of respondents aged 18-30 indicated that they had perpetrated physical or sexual violence against a current or former partner, reinforcing that NSW has a significant problem with intimate partner violence.
- Violent pornography use was widespread, particularly, among those who strongly endorsed rigid masculine norms.
- Almost half (48%) of men reported feeling societal pressure to "act strong" even when scared or nervous.
- One in four agreed or strongly agreed that "men should use violence to get respect if necessary."
- Approximately half of the men surveyed reported feeling social pressure to conform to the Man Box.
- A quarter personally endorsed these rigid social norms.
- Men who most strongly endorsed Man Box beliefs were 7.5 times more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence and 10 times more likely to commit sexual violence against an intimate partner than men who rejected the Man Box beliefs. Those same men reported poorer mental health, and higher rates of problem gambling and risky drinking.
The report also shows that small shifts in attitudes towards healthier masculinities are associated with lower perpetration of intimate partner violence and sexual harassment.
This may be a key factor in reducing intimate partner violence.
The NSW Government's Pathways to Prevention Strategy invests in community-led prevention, respectful relationships education, and support for men, boys, parents and families to address the underlying beliefs and cultures that condone violence against women and children.
$3.5 million in additional funding, including helping parents talk to their kids about pornography
To support young men to challenge harmful attitudes and develop healthy identities, the Minns Labor Government is announcing:
- $2.0 million for the innovative Connect IRL Grants Program to support vulnerable young people build healthy relationships offline, address mental health risks, feelings of isolation and loneliness, to strengthen their sense of belonging. The grant seeks ideas on breaking down barriers to social connectedness and promoting the development of positive attitudes.
- $1.5 million to develop comprehensive education and awareness resources for parents and carers to have meaningful conversations with their kids about the use of pornography and its impact on their understanding of sexuality, gender stereotypes and norms, and how to navigate pornography's depictions of relationships.
- Part of this funding will also be invested in regional and rural programs for men and boys focused on the prevention of gender-based violence by addressing poor mental health, trauma, social and economic hardship, drug and alcohol use and engagement in the community.
Primary Prevention Strategy - Pathways to Prevention
The NSW Government will use this report to support the effective implementation of the state's first standalone Primary Prevention Strategy.
The government launched the $38 million strategy last year, which is about stopping violence before it starts.
Some of this work under the primary prevention strategy already includes:
- Working with sporting clubs through the Multisport Coalition for Primary Prevention
- Grants to community organisations such as Consent Labs and Top Blokes to work with young people on respectful relationships, consent and gender equality.
In September, The Minns Labor Government passed legislation strengthening protections against image-based abuse by outlawing the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfakes.
Apply for the Connect IRL Grants Program here - https://premiers.smartygrants.com.au/ConnectIRL
Minister for Youth and Mental Health Rose Jackson said:
"Harmful stereotypes about what it means 'to be a man' don't just drive violence, they also drive loneliness and despair in young men.
"This report is confronting, but it's also hopeful. It shows that most men reject those outdated stereotypes, and that even small shifts in attitudes can make a huge difference.
"The Office for Youth is expanding our support of the Connect IRL grants program and cutting red tape to make it easier for young people to access in-person mentoring and social events.
"We're backing programs that help young people step outside the online echo chambers and give them the tools to build a stronger sense of self and better relationships in the real world."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"Preventing violence starts with the values and beliefs we teach our children about respect, equality and empathy.
"The data released today is a reminder that exposure to violent and degrading content is shaping how too many young people, particularly young men, see relationships and sex. If we don't step in early, those harmful attitudes can lead to behaviours that cause real harm.
"It's critical we include men and boys across our state in our work in primary prevention, support them to develop healthy attitudes towards masculinity and gender equality, and recognise their role in building safer communities free from violence."
NSW Women's Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin said:
"It is vital that we have a robust understanding of community attitudes if we are to address gendered violence in NSW.
"While the majority of men surveyed do not agree with the outdated gender norms that are often associated with gendered violence, many men still feel pressured to behave in ways that conform to traditional and dominant stereotypes of masculinity.
"It is also vital for men to step up and lead on this by modelling respectful relationships and holding space for open and non-judgmental discussions about respect for women and what it means to be a man."
Executive Director - The Men's Project at Jesuit Social Services Matt Tyler said:
"This report shows us that men in NSW who most strongly believe in restrictive rules about what it means to be a man, are far more likely to be doing harm to others, and not doing too well themselves. This is consistent with findings across the country.
"What is promising though is that most men don't actually support these restrictive Man Box rules. These stereotypes don't reflect who most of us want to be.
"If we can intervene earlier, in schools, sports clubs, workplaces and other environments where men and boys are feeling these pressures, then we can demonstrate a range of healthy forms of masculinity and help men flourish, free from the restrictions of the Man Box. We can support men and boys to live fulfilling lives free from violence."
Support:
