National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
The periodic National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey, or NCAS, tells us how people understand violence against women, their attitudes towards it, what influences their attitudes, and if there has been a change over time. It also gauges attitudes to gender equality and people’s preparedness to intervene when witnessing violence or its precursors.
The National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey, or NCAS, is a resource for anyone wanting to understand and prevent the serious and prevalent problem of violence against women.
It can be used by community educators, policymakers, program planners, researchers, journalists and students.
The NCAS tells us how people understand violence against women, their attitudes towards it, what influences their attitudes, and if there has been a change over time. It also gauges attitudes to gender equality and people’s preparedness to intervene when witnessing violence or its precursors.
The survey collects information through telephone interviews with over 17,500 Australians 16 years of age and over. Results are analysed for:
- the Australian community as a whole
- each state and territory
- young people
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- people from non-English speaking backgrounds
- other relevant demographic and contextual indicators.
The NCAS is the world’s longest running survey of community attitudes towards violence against women. The first survey took place in 1987. It has evolved over time, with the current NCAS based on a survey used in 1995.
The 2021 NCAS
The periodic National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey, or NCAS, is a population survey conducted every four years, and tells us how Australians understand violence against women, their attitudes towards it, what influences their attitudes, and if there has been a change over time. It also gauges attitudes to gender equality and people’s preparedness to intervene when witnessing violence or its precursors. The NCAS was last conducted in 2017 and is due to go into the field again in 2021, with a report to be produced before the end of 2022.
In addition to implementing the 2021 survey, ANROWS has received funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) to conduct two qualitative research studies investigating concerning findings from the 2017 results.
Mistrust study
Evidence shows that false reporting of sexual assault is rare. However, there are high levels of community mistrust in women’s reports of sexual assault victimisation in some contexts.
This study aims to develop an understanding of what drives attitudes of mistrust, and contribute to debunking myths about sexual assault.
FIND OUT MOREYoung people’s attitudes study
Young people’s knowledge of violence against women has declined over time, and in 2017 was lower than that of other age groups.
This study will explore young people’s understandings of relationship norms, and how abusive dynamics may be considered part of “normal” relationships. This will highlight opportunities for education and primary prevention.
FIND OUT MOREDownloads
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Are we there yet? Australians’ attitudes towards violence against women & gender equality: Summary findings from the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
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RESEARCH REPORT
Australians’ attitudes to violence against women and gender equality Findings from the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
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RESEARCH REPORT
Methodology report: Survey redevelopment and implementation of the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
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RESEARCH REPORT
National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS): Methodology report appendices
Downloadsee also
Word document
Are we there yet? Australians’ attitudes towards violence against women & gender equality: Summary findings from the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
Download
Word document
Australians’ attitudes to violence against women and gender equality Findings from the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
DownloadDownloads
RESEARCH REPORT
Young Australians’ attitudes to violence against women and gender equality: Findings from the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
Download
RESEARCH REPORT
Attitudes towards violence against women and gender equality among people from non-English speaking countries
Download
RESEARCH REPORT
Attitudes towards violence against women and gender equality among Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders: Findings from the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
Downloadsee also
Word document
Young Australians’ attitudes to violence against women and gender equality: Findings from the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
Download
Word document
Attitudes towards violence against women and gender equality among people from non-English speaking countries
Download
Word document
Attitudes towards violence against women and gender equality among Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders: Findings from the 2017 National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
Download2017 NCAS Resources
Along with the 2017 NCAS summary report, additional resources are available to help assist in the communication of NCAS findings and messages. These include infographics; a key messages guide; an NCAS 2017 “cheat sheet”, with information about the survey itself; standard responses to possible questions from the public; infographics for use on social media; a video on the 2017 NCAS key findings; and a summary video of the 2017 NCAS findings.