Sexual violence in the music industry
The report, Examining Sexual Violence in the Music City of Greater Melbourne puts Melbourne at the forefront of developing strategies to examine the impact of sexual violence in urban music spaces.
Melbourne is famous for the arts and its music. The report outlines that women and nonbinary people do not feel safe in urban music spaces and sexual violence is rife at clubs and music venues, and normalised in venues that play rock music. The report also finds that this disempowers workers in the music industry and discourages others from joining the music scene.
The report makes five recommendations to industry and all levels of government to address sexual violence and calls for future research to address gaps in knowledge.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing co-funded the research in partnership with the City of Melbourne and Monash University.
Read the survey results and report Examining Sexual Violence in the Music City of Greater Melbourne.
Drivers of violence against women
1 in 4 Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner. It is the leading cause of preventable death, disability and illness for women aged 15 to 44. Women facing other forms of discrimination are at greater risk of violence.
Violence against women is driven by gender inequality. The attitudes and behaviours that drive violence against women are:
- condoning of violence against women
- men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence
- rigid gender roles and stereotypes
- male relationships that emphasise aggression and disrespect towards women
Primary prevention
To change these attitudes and end violence against women for good, we need to stop it from happening in the first place. This is called primary prevention. The best way to prevent violence against women is to promote gender equality.
Free from violence is Victoria's strategy to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women. This strategy aims to prevent violence before it starts. We do this by addressing disrespect and inequality where Victorians live, work, learn and play.
What you can do
Everyone has a role to play in stopping violence against women. We can call out sexist attitudes and poor behaviours when we see them. We can promote gender equality at home, at work, at school and everywhere.
The Orange Door
The Orange Door is a new way to access help and support for women, children and young people who are experiencing family violence. It supports families with the care, wellbeing and development of children and young people.
Support services
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing family violence help is available. In an emergency, call 000.
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