The troubling statistics prompted the group, which is pushing for an end to violence against women and children, to launch a new campaign with the message: "You can't undo violence".

The group's research revealed many young people hold "disturbing" gender attitudes that support violence against women, as a third of people aged 12 to 24 years-old do not think that exerting control over someone is itself a form of violence.

One in four thought it was "pretty normal" for a guy to pressure a girl into sex and a quarter did not think it was serious if a "normally gentle" guy slapped his girlfriend when he was drunk during an argument.

Our Watch ambassador and former AFL footballer Luke Ablett said it was crucial to redefine masculinity and call out sexist behaviour or jokes that diminish or belittle.

Lisa O'Reilly, a member of Our Watch's digital youth committee, said social stereotypes about girls and boys could foster inequality in relationships; the 19-year-old said couples needed to respect each other and communicate honestly.

"We need to break down those barriers, so hopefully it won't be a norm in the future," she said.

"I hope, as people start to realise and talk about how this isn't OK, we will stop seeing so much acceptance and turning a blind eye to violence against women."

She said she experienced vast differences in the way she and her younger brother were treated - while he was allowed to go out, she was expected to do more cooking and cleaning.

In her relationship, she said some of her boyfriend's questions like asking her to dress a certain way crossed the line in terms of respect.

"It is important to make sure that you both change equally and together, instead of one person being in control," she said.

The campaign comes as the federal government commits $100 million to combating violence against women.

Fairfax Media has combined with Our Watch to End the Cycle of violence against women.

■ If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or sexual assault, phone 1800RESPECT on 1800 737732.