Labugana asked this question on 3/21/2000:
In the last few years I have noticed that men have become abusive towards women. It is not only in one race but in all. What is the explanation of this behavior?
nemesis2 gave this response on 4/17/2000:
Having just viewed some of the other answers to this question, I feel compelled to offer my opinion if you don't mind? So many have answered this one just by pointing out that women themselves are abusive or indeed need take responsibility for the violence that is perpetrated on them. I am concerned about this type of blame the victim mentality, and that blame is eually shared among abusers and victims. What some are saying, is that womens independence or staus has risen and that because of this, they are becoming more abusive. If this line of thinking were true - then rates of abuse and violence toward women would be declining while abuse towards men would increase. The prevalence data and research does NOT support that view. Evidence here in australia is that only 15% of sexual abuse id actually reported - and of those 15%, only 2% result in any findings or sentencing. Also, the fact that women in countries where women have little or no rights, women who fulfill fundamentalist roles in their family and community, are no better off at avoiding abuse, but that the lower reportage skews the figures. Another example of this same phenomenon is that in countries that educate and introduce tougher laws - there is a higher proportion of women who access services - this does NOT mean there is more violence after introducing rights or making services available - it is just that it becomes easier and more acceptable culturally and socially to do so.Hence the higher figures. Finally, do not be confused - rates of violence against women ARE on the increase even when controlling for the abovementioned variables - look at amnesty and united nations reports if you want more reliable information. Feel free to further discuss these issues in detail with me if you wish. regards, tracey