Senator Pauline Hanson has ignited significant controversy by describing domestic violence as a “two-way street” and advising women experiencing abuse to “not put up with it.” Her remarks, made during a radio interview on Wednesday, have drawn sharp criticism from domestic violence advocates, support services, and government officials who argue her statements trivialize the issue and place blame on victims. The comments come amid heightened public concern following the deaths of four women in a single week earlier this month, which has renewed calls for a royal commission into violence against women.

Hanson’s ‘Two-Way Street’ Analogy

During an interview with 4BC Mornings, Senator Hanson was questioned about her message to men who perpetrate violence against their intimate partners. In response, she stated, “It is wrong, but it’s also a two-way street.” She proceeded to link this to broader societal pressures, including the cost of living and general life stresses, suggesting these factors contribute to a tense environment for everyone. “Everyone is under so much pressure,” she remarked.

When directly addressing women experiencing abuse, Senator Hanson advised, “I just feel that if you’re not in a house where you feel safe, you feel… you don’t want to be there, then you shouldn’t put up with it.” She acknowledged domestic violence as a “scourge” and emphasized the need for better communication, lamenting that people often “bottle all up” their feelings.

Backlash from Advocates and Officials

The senator’s characterization of domestic violence as a “two-way street” and her advice to women have been met with widespread condemnation. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek issued a statement asserting that Hanson’s comments send a harmful message to victims, implying that violence is their responsibility. “We all experience pressures in life. Violence is never the answer,” Plibersek stated. “Saying women should just leave completely misses the point. It’s the most dangerous time. Senator Hanson should focus on how we better support survivors rather than belittling them.”

Misunderstanding the Realities of Abuse

Domestic violence support organizations have highlighted the critical flaws in Senator Hanson’s perspective, particularly the notion that women can simply “just leave.” Michelle Povah, CEO of Women and Children First, explained the severe constraints many women face:

• Coercive Control: Partners often monitor movements, phone calls, and finances, restricting contact with friends and family.
• Limited Autonomy: In many situations, women are rarely left alone, making it nearly impossible to seek help or plan an escape.
• Increased Danger During Separation: Povah stressed that the act of leaving an abusive relationship is often the most perilous time for victims, with a significantly heightened risk of serious harm or homicide.

Nicole Yade, CEO of the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre, expressed deep disappointment, particularly given Senator Hanson’s own past experiences with domestic violence. Yade criticized the comments for reflecting a “victim-blaming narrative” and ignoring established patterns of abusive behavior, such as remorse, love-bombing, and promises to change, which often trap victims in a cycle of abuse.

‘Insulting and Dangerous’ Remarks

Renee Carr, executive director of Fair Agenda, a national women’s advocacy group, labeled Hanson’s remarks as both “insulting and dangerous.” She pointed out the stark reality that some men resort to violence, even murder, when a woman attempts to escape abuse. Carr also noted the practical difficulties, such as the scarcity of safe and affordable housing, which compound the challenges of leaving an abusive situation.

Carr urged Senator Hanson to redirect her attention to supporting women in her home state of Queensland, where an estimated 620,000 women have experienced abuse from an intimate partner or family member. She advocated for investment in specialized domestic and family violence services and for holding perpetrators accountable, rather than issuing dismissive advice to victims.

Brittany Higgins also condemned the comments, writing on social media that phrases like “mutual abuse,” “two-way street,” and “just leave” normalize victim-blaming rhetoric. She deemed this particularly “atrocious” given that 38 Australian women have already died due to femicide this year.

Renewed Calls for Action and Royal Commission

The recent spate of violence against women, including the deaths of two women and two teenage girls within a four-day period earlier in July, has intensified demands for a royal commission into domestic, family, and sexual violence. However, some officials, like Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin, argue that the focus should be on implementing existing recommendations from numerous past inquiries. “What we need to see now is action, coordinated action at a national level that is funded commensurate with the scale of the problem,” Cronin stated.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously suggested that the government already possesses the necessary information and that the community understands what needs to be done to address the issue.

The Rising Cost of Escaping Violence

Adding a stark financial dimension to the crisis, new research from Anglicare Sydney revealed that the cost of leaving domestic and family violence has surged by 71 percent over the past decade. The study found that immediate expenses, including rental bonds, temporary accommodation, and setting up a new household, increased from approximately $4,098 in 2016 to $7,017 in 2026. This financial burden further complicates the already perilous journey for those seeking to escape abusive relationships.

Conclusion: A Call for Empathy and Effective Support

Senator Hanson’s remarks have underscored a significant disconnect between political discourse and the lived realities of domestic violence survivors. Advocates and experts universally agree that addressing this complex issue requires empathy, a deep understanding of coercive control, and substantial investment in support services. The focus, they argue, must remain on holding perpetrators accountable and providing safe pathways and resources for victims, rather than perpetuating harmful myths that blame those experiencing abuse.