In Canada, today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It is the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre.
What about violence against men? Does that have a day of remembrance?
Men are often not depicted as the victims of violence at the hands of women. Even worse, if they are depicted as the victims, it is usually in a manner that creates sympathy towards the perpetrator.
Violence against men is just as deplorable as violence against a woman. It is not ok to hit a man.
Upon deciding to start this blog, I did several searches for violence against men, and most of the time the web browser came back with a result pertaining to violence against women. The statistics however show a large number of men have been physically assaulted. Here is a link to a study done on violence and reported injury between intimate partners. The numbers may surprise you. American Public Health Association 2007 Study
This is an issue to be taken up for several reasons. Often men are raised to be strong and independent. The lack of information and support out there for men dealing with issues of violence is in line with this notion. I can only assume that part of the reason for this is that men fear they would be seen as weak or fragile and might be nervous to come forward and receive support.
Perhaps this is an issue for feminism. Addressing inequality for minorities and marginalized individuals is part of the goal of feminism. I think that feminists should delve into more deeply because the representation of men either as the perpetrators of the violence or the deserving recipients of it is inaccurate.
I think it's time that women and men stood up against violence towards both men and women.
As part of a grass roots effort to bring awareness to this issue I have several activities planned for the future. Please stay tuned to this blog to see them.
If you have any links or information that you would like to share please do.
Thank you for your time and attention to this serious issue.
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