Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Safeguarding Women and Girls from Violence Is Equally Put-Upon The Men in Our Lives

In an ideal world, safety and security would be a given right for all. Yet, the grim reality is that violence, particularly against women and girls, remains a pervasive global issue. It's a stain on our collective conscience, a stark reminder of the deep-seated inequalities and societal failings that allow such brutality to persist. We must confront this harsh truth and take decisive action to protect the vulnerable among us, especially women and girls who disproportionately bear the brunt of such violence.

One of the most glaring injustices is the existence of laws and systems that inadvertently shield perpetrators instead of delivering justice to survivors. These legal loopholes and biases create an environment where offenders feel emboldened, while victims are often silenced and denied their right to redress. It's a travesty that demands urgent attention. We need comprehensive legal reforms that prioritize the rights and protection of survivors, ensuring that perpetrators are held fully accountable for their actions. But, who in our society is tasked with this legal reform? Must every legal reform be only to serve those looking to cut or add to a budget?

Are we asking the right questions in order to get satisfactory answers?

Furthermore, it's imperative to recognize that protecting women and girls from violence is not just a matter of fairness or morality; it's a fundamental obligation of any civilized society. The strength and well-being of a community is intrinsically linked to the safety and security of its most vulnerable members. When women and girls live in fear, it undermines the very fabric of our society. It hinders their full participation in education, the workforce, and public life, depriving us all of their invaluable contributions.

Protecting the vulnerable is not just the responsibility of women; it's a duty that falls upon all of us, especially men. Too often, the voices raised against violence against women are predominantly female. While women's leadership in this fight is indispensable, we need more men to step up and become vocal advocates for change. Men have a unique role to play in challenging harmful norms, holding other men accountable, and creating a culture of respect and equality.

There are numerous actions we can take to address this issue. Education is key. We must teach our children about consent, respect, and healthy relationships from a young age. We need to empower girls to speak out against violence and provide them with the support they need to seek help. At the same time, we must work with boys and men to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote positive masculinity.

Investing in support services for survivors of violence, including legal aid, counseling, and shelters is critically a part of our support. We need to ensure that survivors have access to the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Many women in shelters are not just down on their luck and without employment; they are fleeing from a violent man in their lives and have finally stood up to protect themselves and their children. On average, I takes a victim of coercive control to leave their significant other 7 times. Women are not the only victims of coercive control, the number of time to leave is the same for men. Seven. It is not our place to judge, only to help others and leave this world better than we found it.

The fight to end violence against women and girls is a long and arduous one, but it's a fight we cannot afford to lose. It's a fight for justice, for equality, and for the kind of world we want to live in. Let us all stand together with men’s voices as well, and demand a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear.