Senator Pauline Hanson has ignited controversy by describing domestic violence as a “two-way street,” a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from domestic violence advocates and government officials. Speaking on Wednesday, Senator Hanson addressed the pressures facing Australians and advised women experiencing abuse not to “put up with it.” Her remarks followed comments from One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce earlier in the day, who had stated that losing control was unacceptable.
Senator Hanson’s Remarks on Domestic Violence
When questioned about her message to men who harm their intimate partners, Senator Hanson responded, “It is wrong, but it’s also a two-way street.” She elaborated by citing the widespread pressures on individuals, including the cost of living, financial worries, and concerns about children’s well-being, suggesting these factors contribute to a tense environment for everyone.
Senator Hanson’s advice to women experiencing abuse was direct: “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 significant societal problem, referring to it as “a scourge,” and emphasized the need for improved communication and emotional expression, stating, “We bottle it all up.”
Criticism from Advocates and Officials
The senator’s comments were met with immediate and strong backlash. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek stated that Hanson’s remarks could inadvertently send a message to victims that the violence is their fault. “We all experience pressures in life. Violence is never the answer,” Plibersek said in a statement. “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.”
Advocates Highlight Dangers of ‘Just Leaving’
Michelle Povah, CEO of the Sydney-based shelter Women and Children First, argued that telling women to “just leave” fails to grasp the realities of domestic and family violence. Povah explained that many women live under coercive control, with their movements, communications, and finances closely monitored, making it extremely difficult to seek help or escape safely. “In these circumstances, how does a woman ask for help when she cannot safely leave home or pick up the phone?” Povah questioned.
She further stressed that the period of separation is often the most perilous for victims, as the risk of severe violence and homicide escalates significantly. Nicole Yade, CEO of the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre, expressed deep disappointment, particularly given Senator Hanson’s personal history with domestic violence. Yade stated that the comments reflect a “victim-blaming narrative” rather than empathy, noting that the advice to “just leave” ignores the cyclical nature of abuse, which often involves manipulation and false promises of change.
Renee Carr, executive director of the national women’s advocacy group Fair Agenda, condemned the remarks as “insulting and dangerous.” She highlighted the extreme danger some men pose when a woman attempts to leave an abusive relationship, referencing the risk of murder. Carr also pointed out the practical difficulties, such as the scarcity of safe and affordable housing, which complicate escape attempts.
Broader Context: Femicide and Calls for Action
Senator Hanson’s statements come at a time of heightened national concern over violence against women. Earlier in the month, the deaths of four women in four days brought renewed attention to the issue, fueling calls for a royal commission into violence against women and children. However, some officials, like Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin, argue that the focus should be on implementing existing recommendations from numerous inquiries rather than initiating new ones. Cronin emphasized the need for “coordinated action at a national level that is funded commensurate with the scale of the problem.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously suggested that the government already possesses the necessary information and that the community understands what actions are required.
New research from Anglicare Sydney underscores the increasing financial burden of escaping domestic violence. The study revealed that the immediate costs associated with leaving, including bonds, temporary accommodation, and setting up a new household, have risen by 71 percent over the past decade, from $4,098 in 2016 to $7,017 in 2026. Carr urged Senator Hanson to direct her efforts toward supporting Queensland women, a significant number of whom have experienced abuse, by advocating for investment in specialist domestic and family violence services and holding perpetrators accountable.
Brittany Higgins also criticized Senator Hanson’s comments on social media, calling the rhetoric of “mutual abuse,” “two-way street,” and “just leave” atrocious, especially in the context of 38 Australian women already having died from femicide this year. The ongoing discussion highlights a critical divide in how domestic violence is perceived and addressed, with advocates emphasizing the complex, dangerous realities faced by victims and the urgent need for systemic support and accountability.
