Heavy alcohol use by men can escalate and worsen their violent behaviour towards women, especially among men whose ideas of masculinity emphasise aggression, dominance and disrespect for women. This policy brief recommends governments explicitly address the link between alcohol and gender-based violence in law, policy and regulation. It sets out practical opportunities for Australian policymakers as well as a range of other community-based strategies. 

The brief calls for alcohol harm minimisation strategies to be integrated into national efforts to prevent violence against women and children. It highlights the need to reshape drinking cultures that celebrate men’s dominance and aggression, to challenge ideas about masculinity that contribute to violence, and strengthen legal, policy and regulatory approaches to alcohol advertising, marketing, sale and delivery. 

The brief outlines key reform opportunities, including amending state and territory liquor laws to prioritise harm minimisation and recognise domestic, family and sexual violence as relevant forms of alcohol-related harm, and improving regulation of alcohol advertising that targets men and links drinking with masculinity, dominance and control.