How Toxic Masculinity Fuels Violence and the Rise of Cyberabuse Against Women
Violence against women is changing—not in frequency, but in how society sees it. Awareness has grown, yet deep-rooted gender roles still shape behaviour. One expert who has spent decades studying this issue is Christian Scambor, a co-founder of a men's counselling service in Graz. Thirty years ago, Scambor helped launch a support service for men in Graz. Today, the organisation assists around 2,000 men each year across Styria and Burgenland. His work extends beyond local counselling, as he now leads national and EU-wide projects on men's studies and gender equality.
Scambor focuses on the psychological patterns behind male violence. Many perpetrators struggle with emotional control and managing anger. Toxic masculinity, he argues, links mental health to power and dominance, reinforcing harmful behaviour. This mindset not only affects relationships but also fuels broader issues like cyberviolence. Digital abuse against women is on the rise, often through stalking or online harassment. While exact numbers for 2023 or 2024 remain unclear, reports confirm that cybermobbing and digital stalking are growing concerns. Organisations like the Burgenländisches GewaltschutzZentrum provide support, but precise statistics on cases tied to partners are not publicly available.
Scambor's insights highlight a persistent challenge: traditional gender roles still influence violence. Counselling services and awareness campaigns aim to address these issues, but systemic change requires broader shifts in how society views masculinity. The rise in cyberviolence adds urgency to these efforts, demanding both prevention and support for those affected.
