The following is an excerpt taken form an article Why Don't We Speak Up When We See Signs of Domestic Violence written by Sarah Wendt and accessed on 1/10/2014 from http://theconversation.com/why-dont-we-speak-up-when-we-see-signs-of-domestic-violence-32022
If violence against women is not recognised or discussed in the public realm, we’re less likely to say something about how our friend is being treated by her partner. Until we acknowledge male violence against women, the justification, trivialisation and uncomfortableness of saying something about domestic violence will remain.
Thankfully, violence against women is now being named and discussed worldwide as a public concern, not just a private matter. The OurWatch campaign, led by Natasha Stott Despoja, is just one example, and aims to drive nation-wide change in the culture, behaviours and attitudes that underpin and create violence against women and children.
So next time if you see or hear something sexist, cringe at someone blaming a victim of domestic violence, or suspect a friend is being abused, tell them you’ve noticed, open the conversation, and ask her: are you OK?
If violence against women is not recognised or discussed in the public realm, we’re less likely to say something about how our friend is being treated by her partner. Until we acknowledge male violence against women, the justification, trivialisation and uncomfortableness of saying something about domestic violence will remain.
Thankfully, violence against women is now being named and discussed worldwide as a public concern, not just a private matter. The OurWatch campaign, led by Natasha Stott Despoja, is just one example, and aims to drive nation-wide change in the culture, behaviours and attitudes that underpin and create violence against women and children.
So next time if you see or hear something sexist, cringe at someone blaming a victim of domestic violence, or suspect a friend is being abused, tell them you’ve noticed, open the conversation, and ask her: are you OK?