The position, created amid Victoria’s crisis of violence against women, focuses on tackling root causes like harmful stereotypes and promoting respectful relationships through programs for men and boys.
Critics argue it demonises all men and overlooks male suicide rates, where men account for 76.5% of Australia’s 3,214 deaths in 2023.
Supporters, including family violence groups, see it as vital accountability, backed by data showing most family violence and intimate partner homicides committed by men.
The ongoing clash highlights struggles to address male-perpetrated violence alongside men’s vulnerabilities.
