So it got me thinking, reflecting even, on the way men talk to me, and talk to women in general.
I was once deep in conversation with an important (male) activist when a mutual friend/colleague walked past and shouted, “Careful mate, she’s married.” As if my only contribution to that conversation was the idea that I could offer only my physical attributes.
It goes on. If I spend too much time with one person someone will jokingly refer to me, when I’m not around, as their “girlfriend”. Forget that I’ve been with the same amazing man for 17 years. Again, my presence is reduced to a potential accessory and laughed off merely as a “joke”. Too late mate, the damage has been done. I’m calling out this behaviour and I’m gonna be busy.
I quote this time and time again: “Not all intimate partner disrespect ends in murder, all domestic violence murders start with disrespect.” – Arman Abrahimzadeh
It’s a quote that will never grow old or lose its relevance because domestic violence, family violence or intimate partner violence, no matter what label you use, is only possible due to a lack of respect for the other person.
Women dead in May: 3
Women dead in June: 1
Women dead in 2017 so far: 21
