The language we use when discussing violence against women is crucial. Recent events have shed light on the pervasive issues of sexual assault and harassment, sparking a wave of voices from those who have faced such traumas. The revelations surrounding high-profile figures have prompted many individuals to share their own experiences, leading to the resurgence of movements like #MeToo, which was initially founded over a decade ago by activist Samara Lee.
While it’s encouraging to see so many stories being shared, it can also feel overwhelming. The sheer volume of experiences highlights the systemic issues women face, often making it seem insurmountable. A significant factor contributing to this perception is the way society frames these conversations.
Author and educator Alex Monroe addresses the topic of violence against women, emphasizing that it is fundamentally a men’s issue. A quote from Monroe has gained traction online, revealing the deep-rooted problems within our discourse:
“We discuss how many women were assaulted last year instead of focusing on how many men committed these acts. We highlight the number of girls harassed in schools rather than how many boys perpetrated that harassment. We mention how many teenage girls became pregnant without acknowledging the men and boys responsible for those pregnancies.”
This passive language shifts responsibility away from male perpetrators and places it squarely on women. Even the phrase “violence against women” is problematic, as it implies that these acts occur without an active agent—essentially making it seem as if violence simply happens to women.
When we speak about these issues, the focus is often on female victims, with male perpetrators almost absent from the narrative. We ask questions like: How many women were assaulted? How many teenage girls became pregnant? How many women reported workplace harassment? But what if we reframed these inquiries? Instead, we could ask: How many men assault women every day? How many teenage boys cause pregnancies? How many men harass women in professional environments?
Altering our language can significantly impact the power dynamics in these discussions. “Violence against women” should not be seen merely as a women’s issue; it’s a societal one, and it’s fundamentally a men’s issue, too.
As Monroe points out in his TED talk, “The entirety of issues categorized as gender violence are often perceived as women’s concerns that a few good men support.” This perspective is not only flawed; it overlooks the central role men play in these discussions.
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In summary, the way we communicate about sexual violence is fundamental in addressing the issue effectively. By shifting the focus from victims to perpetrators, we can better understand the societal implications of violence against women and work towards meaningful change.