Refocusing Power: Transforming Harmful Social Norms to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls Policy Brief

This policy brief, led by Emma Fulu and Sarah Gosper, explores how unequal power dynamics drive violence against women and girls (VAWG) and why a broader understanding of power is essential for effective prevention. Drawing on research conducted by Equality Institute and the Melbourne Research Alliance to End Violence Against Women and Their Children, the paper argues that traditional approaches to primary prevention often overlook the complex ways power operates across social, political, and economic levels.

The authors emphasise the need to expand measurement of social norms beyond immediate reference groups, recognising the influence of wider societal and cultural contexts. They highlight how certain traditions and customs may simultaneously contribute to violence and obstruct prevention efforts. The brief presents a thoughtful framework for reimagining the ‘reference group’ in social norms research, providing practical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to design interventions that meaningfully reduce VAWG.

By centering the intersection of power and social norms, this paper offers a critical evidence base for advancing prevention strategies that are inclusive, contextually informed, and effective at tackling the root causes of violence.