Australians are being urged to reassess their views on domestic violence and commit to eliminating the insidious issue.
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A nationwide survey published on Wednesday found Australians had yet to shake off harmful gendered stereotypes.
But Respect Victoria chief Emily Maguire is urging people not be disheartened.
"We have an opportunity to be a part of the solution," she said.
"We're better than this. It's time to prove it."
Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety surveyed almost 20,000 Australians in 2021.
One in four Australians blame women who do not leave their abusive partners.
Almost half of the respondents mistakenly believed domestic violence was equally committed by men and women.
And a third of respondents thought women exaggerated unequal treatment of women in Australia while more than a third believed women used sexual assault accusations to get back at men.
Padma Raman commissioned the study and said the results were "extremely worrying".
"We still have a long way to go in correcting victim-blaming attitudes and rape myths," she said.
The federal government has committed to eliminating domestic violence within one generation and established a plan to end violence against women and children.
The 10-year strategy includes supports for survivors, prevention strategies and behavioural change programs.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said gaining insight into attitudes and beliefs towards violence against women was vital.
"Ending violence against women and children is everybody's responsibility and everybody's business," she said.
Greens senator Larissa Waters said adequate funding for support organisations should be a priority for the May budget, noting advocates were seeking a $1 billion boost.
"We know that far too many people who do reach out to over-stretched services cannot get support because services simply cannot meet demand," she said.
Census data revealed one in four women experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member compared to one in eight men.
Women were more likely than men to experience stalking, sexual violence and economic and emotional abuse, especially by someone they know.
Most victims of domestic violence name a male perpetrator, the census found.
Australian Associated Press
