Survey reveals disturbing attitudes towards violence against women among men in Finland

A recent survey reveals troubling insights into attitudes towards violence against women among men under 35. One in four of these younger men believes that a woman may be to blame for violence directed at her based on her appearance, clothing, or behavior. Overall, one in five men held such views, despite the fact that 90% of men surveyed condemned any form of violence against women.

Silla Kakkola, the secretary-general of an advocacy group, expressed concerns over the findings. While not all men endorse violence against women, an alarming proportion seem to accept it too readily. Kakkola highlighted the need for substantial change in attitudes, emphasizing that men play a crucial role in addressing this issue. Comments from male respondents showed many holding women responsible for the violence they face, with statements like, “The responsibility to end the violence lies with women themselves, as they often seek out violent relationships.”

The study found a strong recognition among men regarding their duty to combat violence, with 84% stating that men should take greater responsibility for addressing it. Furthermore, 78% advocated for a more proactive stance against derogatory and objectifying language about women.

Age played a significant role in shaping attitudes, with younger men displaying the most lenient attitudes toward violence. For instance, among young men aged 18-24, 22% believed violence could sometimes be necessary for gaining respect, compared to only 6% of men aged 65-79.

Despite some positive responses, the study underscored the need for ongoing discussions about gender equality and the realities of gendered violence, as a significant number of participants felt that movements like Me Too infringe on men’s rights. Kakkola noted that Finland has a long way to go in addressing gender-based violence, indicating a gap in the perception of equality in the country. The study involved responses from 1,058 men aged 18 to 79, and did not specify the type of violence being referred to, leaving room for interpretation of mental, physical, or economic abuse.