Young Tasmanians struggle to navigate the grey areas of respectful and consensual relationships.
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That is part of the findings of a report released by the Tasmanian Youth Forum, which highlighted that many remained unaware of gender inequality and the impact it could have on relationships.
More than 270 young Tasmanians participated in a survey, while about 47 young people were involved in focus groups, to discuss issues surrounding family violence and respectful relationships.
Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT) chief executive Joanna Siejka said young people’s enthusiasm to improve relationships and domestic violence was evident in the report, but it also showed more work needed to be done.
Young people were more likely to get the answer right in multiple questions about respectful relationships than if they had to discuss potential answers in a focus group, she said.
“I was surprised to hear people didn’t understand these issues.”
One of the scenarios presented to them in a focus group was whether it was ok for a male to use violence if he performs a sexual act on a female, who says no, but does not physically resist.
Ten per cent said it was always ok, while about five per cent said it was sometimes ok to use violence.
“They haven’t received the messages the campaigns have been trying to get across,” Ms Siejka said.
Some young people really struggled to find an answer, although a high percentage said violence was never ok, she said.
The findings were “concerning”, but also gave organisations the opportunity to listen and support young people by creating more effective programs, including peer-lead initiatives.
In the executive summary, it detailed how young people wanted to prevent violence, but were less likely to articulate anti-violence messages unless promoted.
“In discussions in focus groups, young people discussed stereotypical gender roles and often took some time to challenge these or start to develop ideas for how gender expectations could be addressed.”
Only one in four people said they thought the main cause of violence against women was the belief that men should be the ones in control of a relationship. The report found “young people were not aware of how gender inequality can lead to gender-based violence”.
YNOT board member Ann Davie said young people were aware and could name some triggers of family violence, but struggled to identify the cause and effect.
“It’s strange because they had very mature views of some things,” Ms Davie said.
The findings of the report will be given to the state government to consider.
Tess Brunton
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
