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March is Women’s History Month

By Jim Izzo

March is Women’s History Month, and the saddest part of that history is the violence against women committed by men; the focus of this piece, however, is not on the past but on the present.

Violence against women by men – in all its ugly manifestations – is always wrong and inexcusable. There is never any justification for it and there are no mitigating circumstances.Present statistics indicate that from 25-31% of women in America report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. That’s 1 in 3 or 4 women! The age group most at risk for abuse is 18-24 year-old women.Estimates of children who witness that abuse range from 3-10 million.

These statistics are alarming, especially for a country whose Constitution promises “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  Sometimes, however, a single case has greater impact, so I will cite the most recent one involving well-known people.

Last month singer Chris Brown allegedly inflicted a vicious beating on his nineteen –year- old girlfriend Rihanna. The graphic, sickening details are available in many places, including the CNN website. Brown’s court date is set for April 6, but Rihanna asked a judge Not to issue a ‘no contact order’ against him in the interim! Apparently, they are still living together. Brown has issued the typical apology and promise to get help. Anyone who believes his apology is sincere or that this will not happen again is naïve.

Rhianna is one of the “lucky” battered women. This was her first beating, apparently, her case became widely known, and she has the resources to do something about it. Her reaction so far, i.e. the psychology of this issue, is beyond the scope of this essay. Most battered women sustain multiple beatings before anyone knows about them, and they lack the resources to get help and to escape their abusers.

If Chris Brown is guilty and the law cannot or will not punish him, if Rhianna cannot or will not help herself, what can anyone else do? There is something. Anyone who supports his career in any way can stop doing so. Stop purchasing and listening to his music. Protest any public forum he is given. In short, take away his source of income.The same types of actions can be taken by everyone who supports the careers of abusive men in sports, politics, business, government, etc.

Before going any further, I want to make it clear that I have had no personal experience with violence against women. I am not writing because one or more women I know have been victims of violence, based on something I have been told. I admit this in the hope that my essay will have greater, not less impact. I have no personal axe to grind. My purpose is to change the mindset of people, mostly men, who really don’t care about this ugly reality.

In order for it to change, both sexes must work together to reduce the number of crimes against women and children. On the local level, Avalon is a good place to start. The nonprofit group was incorporated in 1980 as the  Williamsburg Task Force on Battered Women. A system of safe homes was setup that year.

Renamed in 1986, Avalon: A Center for Women and Children is “committed to intervening in and reducing the incidence of domestic violence and sexual assault. To achieve this mission, Avalon offers shelter, advocacy, education, and support to survivors and fosters awareness and prevention by educating the community.”

Avalon’s mission focuses on three core programs:

Emergency shelter: a 19 room facility that provides room and board, and counseling for up to 45 days free of charge. Transitional housing: six apartments are available to emergency shelter residents who qualify (have a job, pay nominal rent, attend life skills courses. Community outreach: counseling, legal services, and educational programs dealing with prevention are provided free of charge. Avalon’s 24 hour helpline is (757) 258-5051The organization’s website, which includes volunteer opportunities, has much more information about Avalon.  Go to www.avaloncenter.org

One more unsolicited plug: the Queens Lake 5K Run/Walk for Avalon will take place on April 11, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at New Quarter Park in Williamsburg. The event raises funds for Avalon’s three core programs and celebrates domestic survivors.Anyone who thinks he/she is not affected by the problem of domestic violence is wrong. There are monetary costs  to the entire community, from 911 calls to court cases and beyond.There is no end to the damage done to the victims. Violence is a vicious circle, which knows no boundaries. Women and children of all races, economic, and educational backgrounds - in all countries - are victims. Violence is innate in all animals, including the human animal.

Thus, the war against women cannot be eradicated, but it can be limited, and societies can choose to make this issue their top priority.What can be more important than protecting approximately half of the human race?—WLY&ME