We participated in a walk against violence against women this last weekend. It was Hester's second. I was struck that the speeches were mostly about how women needed to get services, participate in witness advocacy programs, and get involved. There was very little said about the role of men in committing violence, complacency when other commit violent acts, complacency in a sexist culture that allows predators to prey upon children and women. There was nothing said about changing laws to keep repeat offenders in prison or toughing sentencing of sex offenders and those who commit domestic violence. It was all about what women need to do.
They also had a initiative to get 100 men to commit to anti-violence stuff and to raise money for the organizations that put together the walk. They were unable to find 100 men to commit. And I am sure it is not from lack of trying. It is a travesty that DV and sexual assault are still seen as women's issues, that child abuse is still a women's issue. Women and children are most of the victims but 95% of perpetrators of these crimes are men. It is a men's issue too. But where the hell are they? If men took an active part, even half of the work on this issue, in prevention and changing sentencing laws, things would change. So what are you waiting for, men?
Yoo hoo, men?
Oh wait, you probably do not read a knitting, lesbian, parenting, therapist's blog.
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