SYDNEY -- One in five Australians believe that a woman is partly responsible for rape if she is drunk, a new report on Wednesday has revealed.

The finding was contained in VicHealth's national survey of 17, 500 Australians about their views on violence against women and gender equality.

The survey found a high number of Australians still believe that violence and rape can be excused and a proportion of Australians hold conservative views on gender roles, with one in four saying men make better political leaders and one in five thinking men should be the head of the household.

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said that on the whole, attitudes have remained stable since the survey was first conducted in 1995 and again in 2009, with some areas improving, while others declining.

"What we're seeing is more people who now understand that violence is more than a bruised eye or broken bones," Rechter said.

"But we are really concerned about the number of people -- men and women -- who still believe that rape and physical violence are justifiable, and that women are often partly to blame. A culture that excuses rape and violence is one that allows it to happen.

"These beliefs demonstrate just how far we have to go before our society understands the nature of violence. Allow me to make it very clear. Violence is a choice, not an instinct. And it is never excusable. It's always a crime. And no woman ever invites or deserves it."

Report co-author Dr Anastasia Powell, of RMIT University, in Melbourne said the research was extremely important.

"Taking stock of the community's attitudes is important, since we know that these attitudes play a key role in shaping the way that individuals, organisations and communities respond when they see violence and disrespect towards women," she said.

"To make no mistake to address, and ultimately prevent, violence against women in our community, we also have to challenge the sexism, stereotypes and discrimination that women experience every day. To prevent violence we must work together to reject inequality and build a culture of respect."