Over the past two weeks, this site has been collecting on-line stories coming from the 2007 domestic violence awareness week. I would also thank those from Mensaid (link) for sending over information.
What has been instructive is that with all of the pledges, promises and comments from politicians and the state, there has been nothing for men. Not a comment, not a grant, not anything.
The reason that this is proof of institutionalised sexism is the fact the Home Office itself recognises that 1 in 6 men will be a domestic violence victim in their lifetime (1 in 4 women) and that at least 1 in every 3 acts of domestic violence is against a man. Yet, they, other politicians and the state in general choose intentionally to turn a blind eye to helping these victims. They know it happens but choose do nothing about it.
Below are a selection of comments and pledges with the links to the relevant pages to prove the point.
Home Office Press Release
The Home Secretary has called on men everywhere to make a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. (link)
Nothing about violence against men.
GMTV : Crisis centre shortage
Victims of domestic violence are being subjected to a postcode lottery. Victims of rape and domestic violence have no crisis centres or refuges to go to in some parts of Britain, according to a report published today. The Commission's chair, Trevor Phillips, said the organisation may take legal action in a year's time under gender equality legislation to ensure women have access to services. (link)
No mention from Mr Phillips about any legal action to ensure men have access to services, especially as practically none exist anywhere in the UK.
Peterborough Today - White Ribbon Day
The White Ribbon campaign aims to get men to stand up for women, and help to stop abuse in the home. Jemma Walton reports.
Men attacking the women they live with isn't the woman's problem. It's our problem. (link).
So the 1 in 6 men who will be domestic violence victims in their lifetime is not a problem?
£40 million in Scotland to tackle domestic violence.
Scotland's Children's minister Adam Ingram has outlined £40 million of proposals to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women.(link)
Nothing for male victims in Scotland
Other stories ignoring male victims include campaigns fronted by footballers can be found here: (link) and (link).
I personally think that it is important to get men involved in campaigns about Domestic Violence. Mainly because it has been too much a female preserve. In my experience men at first express "gentlemanly" concern for women then after some thought also identify situations where women have been aggressive and violent.
What has surprised me is how the Government Policy Scotland doesn't even pretend to take a gender neutral approach unlike the policy in England(however flawed in practice).
Well done to the Sportsmen and others for their demonstration of concern I hope some go on to ask about support for fathers,sons and brothers.
Posted by: Nigel | Friday, 07 December 2007 at 15:59