Australia faces a national emergency of violence against women and girls. This violence is driven by gender inequality: the attitudes, behaviours and social norms that excuse, minimise or disrespect women.
Young people's attitudes are being shaped by repeated exposure to misogynistic attitudes and behaviours, as well as misogynistic content and commentary in the media and on social media. To change this, we need to make it clear that misogyny and violence against women and girls is unacceptable.
At headspace, we acknowledge victim-survivors of sexual assault and violence, including those who have received recent media coverage. To anyone who has experienced sexual harm, we believe you. We recognise the courage it takes to talk with someone and seek support. The responsibility for harm always sits with the person causing it, never with the victim-survivor. We condemn perpetrators of sexual violence, and anyone who minimises, excuses or ignores it.
Young people are closely watching how adults, institutions and communities respond when sexual violence is spoken about and reported. They notice when harm is taken seriously, and also when it is dismissed, minimised or excused. These responses help shape how young people learn about consent, accountability and whose safety matters.
As a society we have a responsibility to teach and model consent and respect, challenge misogyny and harmful attitudes, and create the conditions for young people to hold themselves and their peers accountable. We also need to create environments where victim-survivors feel safe to disclose harm, are believed and supported when they do, and are never blamed for the violence they have experienced.
Challenging misogyny also matters for boys and young men, who are harmed by the narrow expectations, world views and behaviours it reinforces. It also matters to anyone who is concerned about their friends' attitudes and behaviours, or anyone who has witnessed sexual violence and harm being perpetrated.
For those who have experienced trauma, violence or sexual harm, the current media coverage may be overwhelming. Repeated exposure to these stories can evoke feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, sadness or helplessness.
For any young person experiencing stress, distress or mental ill-health as a result of sexual violence or the recent media stories, headspace is here for you.
Quotes attributable to headspace Chief Clinical Officer Vikki Ryall:
"To young people who have experienced sexual violence, know that if you speak up you will be believed and there is support available. You are not alone.
"To young people worried about the attitudes and behaviours of their mates, or who have witnessed unacceptable behaviour and violence, information and support is also available to you.
"To family, know that you don't need to have all the answers when supporting a young person who is distressed. Simply creating space for young people to talk about how they are feeling, listening without judgement and reminding them that support is available can make a real difference."
