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Thursday May 24, 2012

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Newton 'misleads' on violence

Posted by: 3AW Radio | 22 November, 2011 - 8:51 AM
Matthew Newton pops his head up. Convincing?

UPDATE: Anti-domestic violence organisation White Ribbon says Matthew Newton is not taking enough responsibility for his actions, following the actor's controversial TV interview on Monday night.

Newton, who talked about his battles with mental illness in an interview on Channel Nine's A Current Affair, was on Monday described by 3AW reporter Peter Ford as a 'poster boy for domestic violence' after allegations of violence were levelled against him by former partners Brooke Satchwell and Rachel Taylor.

White Ribbon Australia head, Dr Michael Flood, has questioned whether Newton sent the right message to the almost 1 million people who watched the program.

"Matthew Newton's story puts the spotlight on some men's use of violence against women. But it also misleads," said Dr Flood.

"Men who've abused a partner are more likely to stop if they acknowledge their violent behaviour and the harm it has caused others, make a commitment to change, address their sexist beliefs and sense of entitlement in dominating partners; and seek professional help in perpetrators' programs."

"So far, Matthew Newton hasn't done enough to take responsibility for his actions or commit himself to changing them."

Dr Flood was careful not to be flippant about Newton's battle with mental illness, however, acknowledging it 'can be a risk factor for violence'.

But Dr Flood says 'most men who abuse and control their partners aren't suffering depression or other mental ill health and use violence because they feel entitled to do so'.

"Their violence is one way they seek to dominate their partners. Men's violence against women is a symptom of gender inequalities and our culture's tolerance for violence," Dr Flood said.

As Neil Mitchell mentioned on Monday, it is White Ribbon Day this Friday, when men and boys are encouraged to swear to the oath: "Never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women."

PLAY: Dr Flood criticises Newton for being evasive on domestic violence

Video

EARLIER: Patti Newton says she wondered why her son Matthew would agree to a television interview about his troubled past.

The 34-year-old actor spoke to Channel Nine about his battle with manic depression and allegations he assaulted girlfriends Brooke Satchwell and Rachel Taylor.

Patti hopes the interview helps others battling mental illness.

Matthew Newton, 34, told A Current Affair he suffers manic depression which has caused him to abuse himself and others.

He's currently being treated for his condition.

He says he is ashamed of his behaviour.

RATINGS: The highly-provocative Matthew Newton interview on Channel Nine's A Current Affair has failed to translate into a ratings  success.

A Current Affairs had 971,000 viewers while Today Tonight secured 1.1 million viewers.

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PLAY: Neil Mitchell tests the audience on Newton interview

PLAY: Patti Newton discusses her son Matthew's interview

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'It's intolerable to harm a woman'

Matthew Newton leaves court on Wednesday Matthew Newton has 'become the poster boy for domestic violence', says 3AW Breakfast Entertainment Reporter Peter Ford on the mentally ill actor's pre-recorded A Current Affair interview which has been shown. Click on the image on the right.

 

Neil Mitchell Suicide Forum

mENTAL HEALTH YOUTH SUICIDE 3AW SPECIAL: Neil Mitchell held a mental health / suicide forum in November. The commercial-free segment includes Neil Mitchell hosting discussion between Michael Carr Gregg, Adolescant Pyschologist, Professor Pat McGorry, Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health and Tom Harkin, Youth Worker with the Reach Foundation.

Blog comments Your Say

  • The level of compassion and understanding shown by the contributors to this site is staggering.

    Lukew Thursday 24 November, 2011 - 8:14 AM

  • I really do not think Bert and Patti are milking their son's problems at all.
    I am sure they are frustrated immensely with Matthew's problems like any parent would be.
    You reach your wit's end sometimes with children and you do not know what to do, when things go wrong.
    Compassion please for Bert and Patti, they would give anything for Matthew to be well.

    Faye Wednesday 23 November, 2011 - 2:06 PM

  • Matthew Newton is a no talent twit. If he's serious about getting help for whatever he claims to have, then going on national television to talk about it should not be part of his therapy. Men who beat up women are simply cowards and deserve to be behind bars. If he thinks he's so 'dangerous' why not stand up to someone you know you can't beat?

    Richard Wednesday 23 November, 2011 - 10:25 AM

  • Please tell me we will not have to suffer Bert and Patties reaction on ACA. Matthew Newton is nothing more than a coward and his parent will milk it for all its worth. Why can't you Newton's just blow away in the wind.

    Jane Tuesday 22 November, 2011 - 7:07 PM

  • HOW MUCH WAS THIS PATHATIC GUY PAID....
    no sympathies at all for this prat....might be trying to get another job promo.
    poor old aca..
    drop[ the useless show

    chris watts Tuesday 22 November, 2011 - 4:29 PM

  • Newton, is wallowing in self pity,it back fired for channel 9 ratings as well>!

    Steve Tuesday 22 November, 2011 - 4:20 PM

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