Man vs Bear: A Woman’s Dilemma

The latest trend on TikTok that has garnered over 2.3 million views and 76 thousand interactions revolves around a provocative question: “Would you rather be stuck in a forest with a man or a bear?”

In the original video posted by SCREENSHOT, 7 out of the 8 women interviewed quickly stated they would prefer a bear:

“Bear… man is scary.”
“I’ve heard about bears; they don’t always attack you… so maybe a bear.”
“Depends what man, but probably a bear.”
“100% a bear, which is terrifying to say.”
“Definitely a bear, some men are very scary out there.”

These interviews were released just weeks after ongoing protests against women’s violence in the Brisbane CBD, with echoing cries for “No more violence, no more hate.”

This trend underscores the growing concerns about violence towards women in Australia.

Alarming Statistics on Violence Against Women

According to “Our Watch” the following statistics are alarming:

2 in 5 women (39%) have experienced violence since the age of 15.
Women are more likely to experience violence from someone they know (35%) than from a stranger (11%).
In 2021/22, 4,620 women aged 15 and over (an average of 13 women per day) were hospitalised due to family and domestic violence.
1 in 4 women (27%) has experienced violence, emotional abuse, or economic abuse by a cohabiting partner since the age of 15.
1 in 3 women (31%) has experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
1 in 5 women (22%) has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
1 in 2 women (53%) has experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.

Over the past few years, on average, one woman has been violently killed due to an act of domestic violence each week in Australia.

In 2024, this has escalated to the equivalent of one woman every 4.38 days, marking it as a crisis.

Real-Life Examples of Domestic Violence in Australia

The recent conviction of Chris Dawson in 2022 for the 1982 murder of his wife Lynette Dawson highlights the tragic reality of domestic violence. Charges against Dawson were only brought in 2018.

This case gained renewed attention due to the affair Dawson had with a teenage student, Joanne Curtis, whom he later married. The podcast “The Teacher’s Pet” delved into this situation, sparking a deeper investigation that led to the reopening of the case.

Joanne’s testimony in 2003 revealed a pattern of controlling behaviour. She stated, “I did as I was told. He chose what I wore. If I was going somewhere, he would have to approve it.” This behaviour would be considered coercive control under current domestic violence legislation.

Sadly, Lynette’s remains have never been found. As a result, New South Wales passed “Lyns Law” in 2022. This law denies parole to individuals convicted of murder without a body being recovered.

Queensland has also seen its share of domestic violence tragedies. The deaths of Allison Baden-Clay and Hannah Clarke, both killed by their former partners, serve as stark reminders of this issue.

Hannah’s parents, Sue and Lloyd Clarke, have become powerful advocates for including coercive control in Queensland’s domestic violence laws. Their hope is to prevent future tragedies like the one that took their daughter.

We Are Here to Help

If you are experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone. There are resources available to help you.

Call BWJ Law:

Our experienced family lawyers can provide legal advice and support for domestic violence cases. Contact us for a confidential consultation on 07 3390 2344.

We understand the complexities of domestic violence cases and can help you with:

Physical or Sexual Abuse:
Assistance for those facing physical violence (punching, hitting, choking,), forced sexual activities, property damage, or pet harm.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse:
Support for those experiencing stalking, unwanted texts, insults, name-calling, blackmail, isolation, controlling appearance, belittling, threatening to reveal sexual orientation.
Economic Abuse:
Help with situations involving deprived, withheld, or regulated financial resources, or threats related to finances.
Threatening Behaviour:
Aid for those facing fear-inducing statements or actions, stalking, or threats of self-harm or suicide.
Coercive Behaviour:
Guidance for those forced, intimidated, or manipulated into actions against their will, or dealing with coercive contracts or legal documents.
Domestic Violence Involving Children:
Support for children witnessing violence, verbal abuse, property destruction, or police involvement.