BOYS, BOYS, BOYS
THE socialisation of boys is in question when in the majority of fatal domestic violence cases men are the perpetrators.
Laws do not protect the vulnerable from what goes on behind closed doors.
In an age of increasing violence, usually the most vulnerable are the victims of violence, through civil war, in developing and third-world nations in particular. In countries suffering economic hardship, lawlessness and poverty, women and children are most at risk.
In Australia, domestic violence is not treated like criminal assault in personal relationships. Violence orders are useless when perpetrators are free to harass and punish those who seek help and protection outside the home.
Those under scrutiny are incensed by public shaming. The “how dare they’ attitudes of perpetrators against the legal system in their personal affairs, leads to more aggression.
With the gender gap between men and women even more obvious in the third millennium, in the workplace and in personal relationships, where the majority of unpaid work falls on women, it implies women are not valued as much as their male counterparts, generally, in society. Hence, many men of low self-esteem, challenged by events outside the home, seem to feel entitled to rule like despots. Domestic violence, which, unless it leads to murder, is treated like another issue apart from criminal assault on strangers. It's very name implies it is less than a crime when perpetrated upon persons in relationship. It's time to call it what it is. We need our politicians to criminalise domestic violence and protect the valuable 51 per cent of our nation's human resources. The “me too” movement has only highlighted the issue. Where to now?
– E. Rowe, Marcoola
MOUNT LINDESAY HIGHWAY
AT A guess I would say the majority of illegal manoeuvres would be due to risky overtaking when drivers are travelling well below the speed limit on Mount Lindesay Highway. These statistics are appalling. It's about time the government started funding the expansion of these roads. We are about to have a population explosion and our roads won't be able to cope with it
- L. Mahaffy via Facebook
CORRECTION
A STORY in the Jimboomba Times of July 11 quoted Toni Wallace in a story about Woodhill School Billy Cart Derby. The quotes should have been attributed to Woodhill P&C spokeswoman Hailey Mayes.
Email your letters to jtletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au.