I welcome the launch of Respect Victoria’s new campaign, What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be?
This important campaign highlights the harm caused by rigid gender stereotypes and encourages men to reflect on traditional expectations of masculinity, such as needing to be in control, hiding vulnerability, or asserting dominance. It asks men to consider how these expectations affect their relationships and the broader community.
By sharing the voices and lived experiences of real Victorian men from diverse backgrounds, the campaign promotes honest reflection rather than judgement.
It aims to build healthier relationships and more respectful communities.
The initiative is grounded in research and developed in partnership with frontline experts and respected organisations including Jesuit Social Services, No to Violence, The Man Cave, and the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
This work is urgent. Breaches of family violence orders are now the most frequent or second most frequent criminal offence in all six local government areas across the Euroa electorate.
Towns like Seymour and Benalla, which have some of the highest rates of family violence in Victoria, still lack dedicated physical support services.
The latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show sharp increases over the past year: 21 per cent in Strathbogie, 14 per cent in Mitchell, 21 per cent in Benalla, 3 per cent in Campaspe, 10 per cent in Greater Bendigo, and 31 per cent in Greater Shepparton.
Rates in Benalla, Greater Shepparton, and Mitchell remain far above the state average.
We are facing a family violence crisis. Campaigns like this are a vital step forward.