Reevaluating Violence: A Call for a Broader Perspective
By Brent Simon
Senator Samantha Marshall’s recent statement for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women highlights the need for action against violence, yet it provides an opportunity to discuss the issue from a broader perspective. Statistics consistently show that men are frequently victims of violence, particularly violent crime, workplace injuries, and homicide. In addition, societal dynamics in the Caribbean and the wider Black community reveal underlying causes that need examination, including changes in family structure and societal roles.
One significant cultural shift in the region has been the movement of women away from traditional family roles toward ideals of independence and professional success. While progress in gender equality is necessary, this shift has also contributed to the erosion of the nuclear family—historically the cornerstone of stable communities. Many women now prioritize professional accomplishments and individual independence over nurturing familial bonds and raising children, which has profound societal implications.
The breakdown of the nuclear family has far-reaching effects, particularly on young men, who often grow up in environments with limited male role models. Fatherless homes and fragmented family units are strongly correlated with higher rates of delinquency, aggression, and susceptibility to violence. Boys, deprived of guidance and mentorship, are more likely to fall into cycles of crime and interpersonal violence, perpetuating the very problems communities seek to solve.
This is not to suggest that women returning to traditional roles is the sole solution; rather, it highlights the importance of striking a balance between personal ambition and collective responsibility. A society thrives when both men and women contribute not only to their individual successes but also to the foundational structure of the home. Rebuilding the nuclear family involves addressing societal expectations, creating policies that support family unity, and promoting shared responsibilities in parenting and household management.
By recognizing the link between family dynamics and violence, policymakers and advocates like Senator Marshall can address root causes more effectively. Initiatives should encourage strong, cohesive family units and foster environments where children are nurtured by both parents, regardless of evolving gender roles. This approach, combined with holistic strategies that address violence for all genders, can create safer, more harmonious communities.
Ultimately, violence is not solely a gender issue—it is a societal issue. By embracing inclusivity and addressing the complexities of modern family dynamics, we can build a future where communities thrive and violence is no longer a pervasive threat.
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@Brent Simon…. This is a very well written article that brings a needed perspective to the debate regarding gender-based violence. Your assertion that “violence is not solely a gender issue—it is a societal issue” is spot on. Until we as a society realize that violence is a societal one, we will continue to put a Band-Aid on the cut and not really treat its root cause.
Excellent article. I am not a writer by any means, however, I enjoy reading fact based and intelligent articles, but I try to express myself as best I can on this platform. We need more of this.
Thank you for expressing this information to this country.
Very well written article. Violence against women in this country is a huge problem at all levels. Not only at domestic levels. Violence against women on the streets, in the workplaces, in schools, in public places is evident. It can be observed this masculine and sadly, but sometimes even feminine, aggression and disrespect towards women no matter their age or other accolades. It is just there, very evident, sometimes seemingly a culture thing nowadays. The true cause can also become evident if some research is made and the issues and cases tsken seriously. I can understand the stand of Srnator Samantha Marshall, a person that have been involved very closely and with a hands-on approach because of the nature of her work and government responsibilities during the last few years which has brought her to be exposed to the core, motives, victims and more of this situation, that has escalated in the country. Not sure that putting the so called blame in working class women wuth aspirations and pursuing careers is a good one. There are many examples of women in our society with high demanding jobs that are excellent single mothers and excellent part of the family structure of father, mother, children; a normal family. Senator Marshall, we are sure knows about this, as well as reasons and facts that are eroding the familial structure; because of her involvement and as said before, because of the work, her responsibilities, solution-seeking, travels and involvement in this detrimental problem in our nation, akin with other countries and similar situations. These are changing and demanding times highly influenced by technology and advancement and we as a nation, including women, cannot standby and expect things to happen according to the criteria of non-updated criteria. Our young generation of men and women today are who they are according to the worldwide advancement and technologies with a complete different outlook of life than what we are and could be accustomed to. Young women in our society today are going into careers that previously were not even considered by our or even recent predecessors. This cannot be stopped or changed – it is what is called evolution of times, moving more rapidly now than ever. All This said; the underline reasons for violence against women then, cannot be the women in career-seeking or involvement ignoring or not doing her parental duties properly. It seems to be that the underline reasons could stem from the human behavior, the male role, tactics, upbringing and the understanding of family structure and values, no matter career women or not. It seems to be far deeper than that. Someone that has seen it and managed it firsthand and closely at a national level, has the key to share statistics, reasons, experiences and is nearer to voicing opinions, suggesting and/or finding solutions to the matter in a collective manner. On personal notes, women at large need to be supported, respected, recognized, acknowledged and given all the opportunities capable and deserved of, without discrimination and we would not say gender discrimination; it is much more and wider than that. Women are borne ‘jack-of-all-trades’ managing from day one they become parents; the babies/children keepers, the cooking and all household chores, the financing and buying, balancing the available budget, nurturing and nursing the sick, teaching and homeworking, plus the wife’s demanding duties; even though, having an outside or office work and career. This is a lot and some individuals don’t manage all this well an resort to violence when they are required to do their part. Freedom of speech is king!
First…Women need to respect the hard work of others women. I walk a lot in Antigua, i is a disgusting see how some group of women when they are in some position, treat like shit others..Is extremely sad..I experience myself that..Im a man, and i never ever will use derogatory language against any woman, but If some woman here is wearing better wig, nice makeup, good clothes…Lord meecy they beleive tgey are over the rest and act and walk like ass…e trying to impress others Is pure fake their lofe..You see their social media and is another person..When you asked them why? They say “Im a very simple person” OMG..if you are a simple person. First YOU need to feel proud of your root, and you are not, because seeing you wasting a huge amount of money in just ridiculous nails, makeup, wig to show to the world that you are “something ” means you are not proud of what god gave you…
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