Australia has a problem and, in many circles, it remains a taboo.

The rates of violence towards women and children spike up to 40 per cent after major sporting events, including the State of Origin and the AFL grand final.

10 News+ has spoken about the issue to the deeply versatile Luke Bateman, who has played for the Canberra Raiders and is now penning a fantasy book series after finding immense success on BookTok.

“It makes me feel ill,” Bateman said.

“It should be our greatest show-piece and it’s causing so much harm.”

According to Bateman, the conversations don’t get into the footy world. While he believes it’s not the game of football that needs to change, he thinks increased alcohol and gambling is a major variable.

“It comes with the culture and acceptance we have for violence and aggression… anything that’s feminine, and soft, weak, vulnerable, etc, just has to be excluded and looked down upon.”

It is a mould Bateman is cracking with the onus he places on humanity over masculinity. Here’s hoping his words reach the right ears.

Watch more from 10 News+ at 10.com.au