Domestic violence program launched (against MEN only)

Portland Press Herald ^ | April 27, 2005 | ELBERT AULL

[dahmdir]

"I work in a Domestic Violene program, and I can tell you for a fact that the majority of domestic violence cases are still men abusing women."

I work in a Domestic Violence program also and I am wondering why this particular information above is almost ALWAYS the first response when someone mentions male victims. If you are truly against domestic violence then this sound byte is unnecessary. What does it matter what gender the majority of victims are? If ONE PERSON is being abused then that ONE PERSON should be able to access the full compliment of services available.

" This problem doesn't discriminate no matter what you believe politically or religiously, and unfortunately crosses all the spectrums."

You are so right! This enigma on society does not discriminate but many who work in the field protecting victims do. And I can say that with complete authority. I am very grateful for those who do offer "need based" vs "gender based." All domestic violence programs should be need based. Did you know that there are shelter programs in the USA that house both female and male victims in their shelters? It's true. They have mixed gender support groups also. Many say it can't or shouldn't be done but it's happening and it's been working for these programs for up to a decade.
It's time that the other programs follow suit and protect all victims.

[Fido969]

Do I know you?

Anyway, I was re-reading what the reporter wrote me, above.

I wonder if I interpreted it wrong - read his words carefully. Maybe he DELIBERATELY put that quote in "because it reveals the domestic violence crowd's gender bias" and we were SUPPOSED to read it and become outraged and write a letter to the editor exposing those people!

Maybe the guy is a secret agent for our side!

So, Jan - you want to fire off a letter to the Portland Press Herald?