Friday 17 June 2011

Feminist Friday IX: Violence Against Women

I have so many things I could say but I'm exhausted and just back from Manchester (cop out I know) and I want to get this up. I loved that poster. I'm so tired of women being made to feel guilty for the way they dress or where they walk at night or if they drink too much; no matter what no one asks to be raped, assaulted or beaten. That the poster turns all those misplaced assumptions on their head is just amazing.  When NBH lived in DC with me he worked for an organization called "Men Can Stop Rape" and it's so true that a large part of stopping violence against women is working with men and boys to create a culture free of violence against women.


I'm going to instead ask you to look at the amazing work done by Glasgow Women's Aid.  I'm honoured to be on their Board of Directors and what they do for women and children affected by domestic violence is amazing. The video made by their Hot Chocolate Club lets you hear the voices of children affected by domestic abuse who've used their Children and Young People's Services.  I'll leave you with some frightening statistics: 


  • 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives.
  • On average, 2 women per week are killed by a male partner or ex-partner in the UK.
  • In 90% of domestic abuse cases, children were in the same room or in the room next door of where the abuse took place against the woman.

Violence Against Women








Here's how it works. Write a blog about being a feminist mom, raising a feminist child, a rant or anything that falls under the realm of the theme for the week. Come back and link your post and post the button on your blog.


That's it.


You don't even have to be a blogger to take part - just send me your post and I will publish it on my blog for you. You don't even have to include your name if you prefer.


When you've published it, come back on Friday and via a widget thing you can add a link to your post and share it with everyone. The link remains open for 4 days.


Visit others, comment if you like them or feel inspired by them. Just go out and encourage and support other feminist Moms.


The more support you give, the more you will get back! I can't wait to meet and interact with other feminist moms around the world!

4 comments:

Melaina25 said...

I think it's my first time visiting your lovely blog.  Popped over to add my linky but I see it's closed. ;(

Melaina25 said...

I've had to switch widgets but I've added you!

Melaina25 said...

Here's my two cents, I enjoy your FF's! http://thesleepyowl.wordpress.com/2011/06/19/violence-against-women/

Melaina25 said...

Just to reply to your comment on my entry -
Yes, it would be ideal if men who sexually assault women took responsibility for their actions and chose not to do these terrible things. I do think the poster makes an interesting and often overlooked point. It is not about how women dress or act, it is about the men (and sometimes women) who will not control themselves.
But with any type of crime, it is important to know how to stay safe. There is a big difference between suggesting women should be responsible for stopping sexual assault and saying they should know how to defend themselves.
As someone who was sexually assaulted in college, I feel comfortable saying that it would likely not have happened if I knew then what I know now. I don't blame myself or anyone else besides the person who attacked me, but that doesn't mean I won't be passing on advice to the women in my life (and any future children I have) in the hope that they will be able to defend themselves in a similar situation.
Thanks for coming by and commenting! The more people choose to talk about these subjects, the more we can do as human beings to stop these things from happening.