1 in 3 Australians have experienced physical violence

An estimated 7 million Australian adults (36 per cent) have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, according to information from the 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey (PSS) released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

In the PSS, physical violence is defined as any incident involving the occurrence, attempt, or threat of physical assault since the age of 15.

Will Milne, ABS head of crime and justice statistics, said: “We found that an estimated 4 million men and 3 million women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.”

“Both men and women were three times more likely to experience physical violence by a male perpetrator than by a female perpetrator.”

In men’s most recent physical assault by a male, the perpetrator was more often a stranger (57 per cent) than a known person (42 per cent).

Three in four of the assaults (74 per cent) occurred outside the home, like a pub, bar, or in the street.

“About half of the men sought advice or support for the assault, including one in three who turned to a friend or family member,” Mr Milne said.

In women’s most recent physical assault by a male, the perpetrator was most often an intimate partner (63 per cent), and the assault most often occurred in a home (70 per cent).

“Around two-thirds of women sought advice or support for the assault, including nearly half who turned to a friend or family member.”

The results also revealed the impacts of physical assault on men and women.

“Almost half of the men and women were physically injured in their most recent physical assault by a male,” said Mr Milne.

“In the 12 months after the assault, nearly two-thirds of women and just over a quarter of men experienced anxiety or fear for their personal safety."

“We would like to acknowledge the experiences of everyone affected by physical violence in Australia. We thank those who participated in the survey and shared their experiences to help inform government and service responses.” Mr Milne said.

If you or anyone you know is in need or crisis, please call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11 14).