The roots of violent incidents happening against women lie in the conditions of gender inequality in contemporary times. Studies have revealed that four key elements of gender inequality are responsible for promoting violence against women. In order to stop violence against women, it is essential to focus on these elements. Male peer relations which accentuate hostility and disrespect towards women are one of these elements.

What factors of male peer relations accentuate hostility and disrespect towards women seem like?

A point where men develop relationships and bond is the gendered element of violence by showing their masculinity through actions, like being disrespectful, sexist, or aggressive towards women. Examples of such circumstances include:

• Sexist locker room gossips that disrespect women but are regarded as casual and harmless.
• Fear of getting outcasted from groups of men due to standing against disrespect towards women.
• The belief that men are granted to have control of their partner in front of other male friends.

In other words, when sexist gossip or comments, disrespect towards women is regarded as casual, it gives birth to a culture of dominating the female gender, leading to gender violence. That is why the demand for domestic violence counselor jobs has increased in current times.

The socio-ecological model

Another element that leads to violence against women is the socio-ecological model. The places where people live, learn, earn, socialise, and play also influences men’s behaviour towards women. This model’s source is the public health field. It is used to indicate how violence towards women is the outcome of numerous interacting factors associated with individual, organisational, systemic, and societal levels.

The four gendered elements are present at all these levels, plus they are the social conditions that leads to higher levels of violence against women. Also, the supporting factors interact with gendered elements at the individual and relationship level to enhance the frequency, probability as well as the harshness of this violence.

• Societal level – Societal norms, cultural values
• System and institution levels – public policies, laws, government
• Organisational and community level – Workplaces, schools, sports clubs, public places
• Individual band relationship level – individual knowledge, attitudes, relationship with family and friends

Corrupt male peer relations and disrespect towards women takes many shapes and forms

An instance of unhealthy male peer relations and disrespect towards women can be like men telling degrading jokes about women to bond with their male peers. At a community or organisational level, disrespect towards women may look like chants and initiation rituals that promote women’s abuse. In workplaces, sexual objectification of women is used as a marketing strategy. Also, in sports clubs, degrading talks about women in male groups.

Things that we can do to improve this condition is to implement a whole-school approach to respectful relationships education.

Organisations and institutions should start delivering training programs to men and boys.

For more information and help regarding gender violence inequality, contact WA Suffragates today.