Past message on research on violence
Stating that female violence to males is equal to male violence to females
is an example of a statement that de-genders the problem and thereby
creates a barrier to effectively addressing the violence in our society.
I have always found it ironic that violence is a male problem as long as no
money is involved. However, when it comes time for funding, the issue
completely changes. As an example, last year the Girl Scouts received a
substantial federal grant to address violence committed by females. When
asked why they should receive federal funds to address a primarily male
problem, they responded:
"In Girl Scouts we firmly believe that all girls are at risk for committing
violence. The juvenile Violent Crime Index arrest rate for females more
than
doubled between 1987 and 1994, then fell in each of the next 3 years. The
growth in juvenile violent crime arrest rates between 1987 and 1994 was far
greater for females than for males, and the decline after 1994 was less for
females than males. The female violent crime arrest rate for 1997 was 103
percent above the 1981 rate, while the male arrest rate was 27 percent
above
the 1981 level."
Therefore the cause of this "de-gendering" of violence is not necessarily
"patriarchal thinking", but girl-focused organizations is search of funding
for problems that do not exist.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Barlow
sabwestvir@aol.com
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