One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is facing widespread condemnation after describing domestic violence as a “two-way street” and telling women experiencing abuse they should simply “not put up with it”, remarks that advocates say ignore the realities faced by victim-survivors and risk reinforcing dangerous myths about family violence.

The comments, made during a Brisbane radio interview, have drawn criticism from domestic violence experts, survivor advocates, politicians and legal experts, who argue they oversimplify one of Australia’s most complex social issues.

Hanson acknowledged domestic violence was “wrong” but said “it’s also a two-way street”, arguing that everyone was under pressure because of rising living costs and suggesting that women who did not feel safe should leave abusive relationships.

Her remarks have been criticised as victim-blaming because they place responsibility on victims to leave rather than squarely on perpetrators to stop abusing.

Domestic violence is overwhelmingly gendered

While men can also experience family violence, Australian data consistently shows women are disproportionately affected by serious intimate partner violence.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around one in four women has experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15, compared with about one in 14 men. Women are also significantly more likely to be seriously injured or killed by current or former partners.

Domestic violence organisations say leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous period for victim-survivors.

Financial dependence, coercive control, fear of retaliation, concern for children, lack of housing and emotional manipulation are among the many reasons victims cannot “just leave”.

Advocates say suggesting otherwise ignores decades of research into how abusive relationships operate.

Fresh criticism over earlier comments

The backlash intensified after previously unreported comments from a 2025 podcast resurfaced this week.

In that interview, Hanson reportedly described paid family and domestic violence leave as “ridiculous”, suggested it was being exploited, argued police spent too much time dealing with family violence instead of “real crime”, and claimed Australia’s legal system had become biased against men.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody described the comments as harmful, while the ACTU and domestic violence advocates warned they risk undermining public confidence in support systems designed to protect victim-survivors.

A familiar political pattern

The controversy comes only days after Hanson again found herself defending comments linked to the former White Australia Policy.

During a Perth business event, Hanson denied advocating a return to the White Australia Policy after previously discussing its abolition during an interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

She insisted she was merely explaining the historical timeline rather than endorsing the policy.

However, critics argue the remarks continue a pattern that has defined Hanson’s political career for nearly three decades—using immigration, multiculturalism and national identity to mobilise political support.

Her speeches in Britain earlier this month, where she criticised immigration and declared she was “sick of hearing about white privilege”, also drew significant criticism both in Australia and overseas.

Critics warn rhetoric has consequences

Advocates argue the latest controversy cannot be viewed in isolation.

For many Australians—particularly women, migrant communities, Muslim Australians and people from culturally diverse backgrounds—Hanson’s domestic violence comments and repeated rhetoric on immigration reinforce concerns about political discourse that critics say diminishes lived experiences while amplifying social division.

Experts warn that misinformation surrounding domestic violence can discourage victims from seeking help, reinforce shame and make perpetrators appear less accountable.

They also caution against framing financial pressures or cost-of-living challenges as explanations for violent behaviour.

While economic stress may place pressure on households, responsibility for domestic violence rests solely with the perpetrator, not external circumstances.

Hanson stands by her comments

Hanson has rejected accusations that she was victim-blaming, arguing her remarks have been taken out of context.

She maintains domestic violence affects both men and women and says she was encouraging victims to leave unsafe relationships rather than excusing perpetrators.

But for many advocates, that explanation misses the central issue.

Domestic violence is not simply about arguments or relationship conflict. It is about power, coercive control and repeated abuse—circumstances that cannot be solved by telling victims to walk away.

As Australia continues grappling with high rates of violence against women, campaigners say public debate must be grounded in evidence rather than political rhetoric.

They argue elected representatives carry a responsibility to ensure their words encourage victims to seek support—not make them question whether they will be believed.

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