Hanson’s “Two-Way Street” Domestic Violence Comments Spark Backlash
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Hanson's "Two-Way Street" Domestic Violence Comments Spark Backlash
- Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, stated on Brisbane radio on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, that domestic violence is a "two-way street," suggesting women also bear responsibility for abuse.
- These comments, made in response to a question about men harming their partners, have been widely condemned by figures like Brittany Higgins, who called them "atrocious" and "normalizing victim-blaming rhetoric."
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On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson generated controversy with her remarks on domestic violence during a radio interview in Brisbane. When asked to condemn violence against women, Hanson asserted that domestic violence is “wrong, but it’s also a two-way street,” and that “women can lose their cool as well.” She further added, “If these women are getting abused by men out there, then don’t put up with it.” Hanson also linked the issue to broader societal pressures, including the rising cost of living.
These statements quickly drew criticism, with Brittany Higgins, former Liberal staffer and executive director of VidaFund, describing them as “atrocious” and “normalising this victim-blaming rhetoric.” Higgins highlighted that 38 Australian women had already been lost to femicide in 2026. Women’s Agenda, an Australian media outlet, also critiqued Hanson’s comments, noting that new research from Anglicare found the cost of leaving domestic and family violence situations has increased by 71% over the past decade, reaching $7017 in 2026. Claire Dunlop, General Manager of Relationships & Wellbeing at Anglicare Sydney, emphasized that financial barriers are a significant obstacle for victim-survivors seeking safety.
This is not the first time Hanson has made controversial statements regarding domestic violence. In 2019, she faced criticism for suggesting some women fabricate domestic violence claims in family court disputes to gain an advantage in custody battles. Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicate that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15. In 2024, 100 women were killed in violent incidents in Australia, a sharp increase from 74 in 2