The Prevalence Of Violence Against Women
November 23rd 2008 10:48
50% of all Australian women will experience domestic violence at least one in their lives. Fact.
The White Ribbon Organisation has released its report into domestic violence against females and quite frankly I am astounded at how common place this behaviour is. I truly thought domestic violence was a thing of the past- something we relinquished to be a civil society. Apparently I was very much mistaken and Generation Y is at that crucial time when they can choose whether or not to hold on these violent attitudes.
So, the report can be viewed here. I've complied some of its findings to give you an idea of what to expect from reading the whole thing as well as to give you an idea of the kind of society we're living in.
- A Survey of 635 high school students (male and female) found 56% of the males were 'not hurt at all' the worst kind of violence they experienced while only 9% of females could say the same.
- A third of female year 10 students said they had experienced unwanted sex.
-A male abuser will implement a number of other controlling and harmful behaviours towards his victim including threats to the victims family and of suicide, threatening to expose secrets, mind-games and emotional manipulation, isolating the victim from friends and family and telling her she is worthless but that he loves her thus leaving her feeling alone and with nowhere to go if she leaves as well as with seriously undermined self-esteem.
- Women who have been exposed to violence are more likely to develop self-harming behaviours such as substance abuse and self-mutilation and are more likely to be re-abused in the future.
The findings go on, but I think you get the point.
Why am I posting an entry about this in a Gen Y blog? Well this is what we're growing up with or have grown up with. This is the state of our relationships. No, this is not something new or specific to our generation but it is still so prevalent that I felt I needed to blog about it. I had no idea violence against women was this rife, I honestly didn't and I think that's because it's an uncomfortable subject to talk about so we all tip toe around it... and look at where that's gotten us.
The White Ribbon Organisation has released its report into domestic violence against females and quite frankly I am astounded at how common place this behaviour is. I truly thought domestic violence was a thing of the past- something we relinquished to be a civil society. Apparently I was very much mistaken and Generation Y is at that crucial time when they can choose whether or not to hold on these violent attitudes.
So, the report can be viewed here. I've complied some of its findings to give you an idea of what to expect from reading the whole thing as well as to give you an idea of the kind of society we're living in.
- A Survey of 635 high school students (male and female) found 56% of the males were 'not hurt at all' the worst kind of violence they experienced while only 9% of females could say the same.
- A third of female year 10 students said they had experienced unwanted sex.
-A male abuser will implement a number of other controlling and harmful behaviours towards his victim including threats to the victims family and of suicide, threatening to expose secrets, mind-games and emotional manipulation, isolating the victim from friends and family and telling her she is worthless but that he loves her thus leaving her feeling alone and with nowhere to go if she leaves as well as with seriously undermined self-esteem.
- Women who have been exposed to violence are more likely to develop self-harming behaviours such as substance abuse and self-mutilation and are more likely to be re-abused in the future.
The findings go on, but I think you get the point.
Why am I posting an entry about this in a Gen Y blog? Well this is what we're growing up with or have grown up with. This is the state of our relationships. No, this is not something new or specific to our generation but it is still so prevalent that I felt I needed to blog about it. I had no idea violence against women was this rife, I honestly didn't and I think that's because it's an uncomfortable subject to talk about so we all tip toe around it... and look at where that's gotten us.
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Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Comment by Nevar
Is Why
At the risk of annoying other Orblers, I am going to suggest that some of the quarrels that get out of hand are those based on a biological imperative. Females of most species have to know that their mates will be there to protect them while they are disadvantaged due to pregnancy or child rearing. A tenuous period of time for females where a mates ability and willingness to defend them and their young against predators is of paramount importance.
How do they satisfy themselves that their mate will be there for them? Humans, dogs, cats, horses, fish, birds and bugs (for starter) will have males and females of their species risking injury to satisfy the primal mandate to mate with a suitable partner, one who can and will fight.
So, sometimes those biologically motivated quarrels can get pretty heated and wind up with one or both partners injured. But aside from that, some people are just dicks.
Comment by Wynona Lavota
Generation Y Life
Never, quite a different approach to the Orble situation I must say- I've not really been involved in such disputes so I can't talk.
Comment by Faye Sari
I got a call a couple of weeks ago from the White Ribbon Day, as I am currently working on a cause on Facebook, about No To Violence - WRD (personally) suggested to me that I give UNIFEM a call and see if I can get in an internship with them, so I am waiting to hear from UNIFEM
However, I think violence should not happen. Physical violence is so harmful, to both the abuser and the victim.
Sometimes, violence grows when its something so tiny and can be fixed. Women shouldn't sit there and take that abusive behaviour from the other. That makes the abuser at advantage to the victim.
If I was getting abused, I'd much rather protect myself, no matter how hard it is! Women should BE able to defend themselves, whether or not, they're hurting the other person. Self-defence is really important for every women out there in the world.
Thanks so much for sharing this Wynona!
Comment by Wynona Lavota
Generation Y Life
Oooh an internship, I think you'd be great, fingers crossed for you.