National organisations working to end violence against women - Our Watch and No to Violence - are warning that women may face increased risks of violence during the festive season.
The two organisations are calling on men concerned about their behaviour to seek help and for efforts in primary prevention of both violence and substance abuse to be stepped up.
Across the past eight years, NSW police have responded to more family and domestic violence assault incidents on News Years Day than any other day of the year. Similar spikes have been reported by police across the country.
Alcohol and drug use typically rise over the Christmas/New Year period, with both known to increase the severity and frequency of men's violence against women.
Heavy drinking by men who already hold harmful ideas about women and relationships can create a volatile mix where alcohol can weaken men's empathy, care and respect for those around them, particularly women.
No to Violence CEO Phillip Ripper is asking men who use violence to seek help this festive season.
"The greatest gift you can give someone you care about this Christmas is love and respect, which means seeking help if you use violence or have a drinking or drug problem."
"The festive season is about giving, spending time with family and making memories, but for too many women and children – the men in their lives choose to make this period one of heightened fear and violence."
More than 43% of women who experience violence report that alcohol is a contributing factor in physical or sexual violence. In 43% of NSW homicides, the perpetrator had a history of alcohol abuse.*
Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly said the combination of alcohol and some men's support for harmful gender stereotypes, sexism and disrespect towards women, needed to be addressed.
"Research shows that men who support rigid ideas about men needing to be in control, assertive and aggressive are far more likely to use violence against women, and they are also more likely to frequently consume alcohol and have a gambling problem.**
"We know alcohol can be a factor, but violence is always a choice. We see this when men choose not to be violent at a party with their mates but go home and harm their partners and children in private."
Ms Kinnersly said efforts needed to be stepped up for primary prevention of violence, and alcohol use.
"There is no one solution to stopping men who choose to use violence. We need to challenge harmful stereotypes about male drinking cultures and men needing to be aggressive and in control. We need to improve alcohol regulation in ways that help change the relationship between alcohol, masculine stereotypes and violence. And we need to address sexism and disrespect for women throughout our society that allows men's violence against women to thrive."
Mr Ripper said, "Men using violence and abuse need to take responsibility for their actions and not blame any other factors. There is simply no excuse for violence and no excuse for not reaching out to the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 to get the support you need to address you own behaviour."
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The Line's New Year's consent post, note that The Line Campaign is targeted at under 20 year olds.
