Changing gender stereotypes key to cutting violence against women - report
Transforming young people's views on gender stereotypes is key to tackling violence against women and girls, according to a new report.
Transforming young people's views on gender stereotypes is key to tackling violence against women and girls, according to a new report.
The study of young people's attitudes found those who held stereotypical gender views were less likely to view issues such as sexual harassment or controlling behaviour as seriously wrong.
Girls were "significantly more likely" than boys to class as very seriously wrong both physical and controlling forms of domestic abuse, and also certain types of stalking and harassment behaviours.
The findings come from the Young People's Attitudes to Violence Against Women report 2014, published on Tuesday, which surveyed 11 to 18-year-olds in Scotland.
It found that while about four in ten (43%) of those who do not hold stereotypical gender views thought it was "very seriously wrong" of a man to slap his wife after finding out she has had an affair, only 32% of young people who hold stereotypical gender views thought so.
While more than eight in ten (84%) young people who do not hold stereotypical gender views thought it was "very seriously wrong" of a man to put naked photos of his ex-girlfriend on the internet without telling her, just over six in ten (62%) young people who hold stereotypical gender views thought that.
The report said: "Stereotypical views on gender roles exist amongst young people in Scotland.
"Those who held stereotypical gender views were less likely to view a range of behaviours as very seriously wrong or likely to cause a great deal of harm.
"Therefore, strategies aimed at reducing violence against women should also focus on transforming gender stereotypes and tackling discriminatory or stereotyping attitudes, cultures and behaviours."
The study also reveals a heightened awareness among young people about newer forms of violence against women and girls, including revenge porn, and the need for this to be tackled.
More than three-quarters (76%) of young people questioned felt posting photos of an ex-girlfriend online was "very seriously wrong".
The majority (80%) of young people believed posting naked photos of an ex-girlfriend online should be illegal.
Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said: "Violence against women is both a symptom and cause of wider gender inequality in our society and this survey has reflected that.
"We are determined to bring a halt to gender discrimination - we want every young person in Scotland to develop mutually respectful, responsible and confident relationships with others.
"This report flags areas we all know are a concern and that's why we are working to change attitudes at an early stage, through record levels of investment for the prevention of violence against women."
She added that revenge porn will soon be illegal through the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Act.
The report was published during the international campaign for 16 Days of Activism to End Gender.