National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
The National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS) is the world’s longest-running population-level survey of community attitudes towards violence against women.
The NCAS tells us how people understand violence against women, their attitudes towards it, and if there has been a change over time. It also gauges attitudes to gender equality and people’s preparedness to intervene when witnessing abuse or disrespect towards women.
The last NCAS was conducted in 2017. In addition to implementing the 2021 survey, ANROWS received funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) to conduct two qualitative research studies investigating concerning findings from the 2017 results.
2017 NCAS results
While Australians’ attitudes to violence against women and gender equality are improving, there are some concerning trends.
The 2017 NCAS interviewed over 17,500 Australians 16 years of age and over.
Find out moreMistrust 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 aimed 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 explored 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 more