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DOMESTIC violence was the topic, and there was some passionate views and strong voices in the discussion, at a community meeting in Warwick last week.

The Community Network of Warwick breakfast on Wednesday set the stage for a healthy, robust discussion on the topic of domestic violence with a panel of local specialists and a passionate guest speaker addressing the issue.

Emma Yates, who has worked extensively on gender equality projects in Zambia, shared her views on the links between gender inequality and domestic violence.

"Australia is the 19th most gender equal country in the world, according to the UN," she said.

"Why are we still seeing the rates of violence against women that we are?"

Mrs Yates pointed to the risk factors as contributing to the problem.

Risk factors for domestic violence include exposure to child abuse or violence, alcohol or drug issues, financial or personal issues and disability.

"I'm certainly not an expert but the underlying causes are complex and misunderstood," Mrs Yates said.

"Gender inequality is a key determinant."

While Australia is moving forward with gender equality, the domestic violence situation remains relatively silent and hidden in the country.

Mrs Yates said it was the silence that was dangerous.

"It's dangerous because it's not out there," she said.

Examples of commonly heard opinions on domestic violence and gender equality were also brought into the discussion by the guest speaker, including statements like "there's nothing wrong with a sexist joke, it's just a laugh" and "domestic violence is okay if he gets so angry he just loses control".

A number of suggestions for tackling domestic violence were put forward by Mrs Yates including socialising children and encouraging them to treat each other as equals and learning and teaching effective, peaceful and respectful conflict resolution skills as an alternative to violence.

A panel comprising of Kathy Payne from Condamine Assist, Southern Downs Regional Council CEO David Keenan, Safe Haven president Bette Bonney and Mrs Yates also took questions from the crowd and had their say on the topic.