True Crime — Wish it Was Fiction

Anete Lusina

Australia has a problem with men murdering women. It’s a problem encountered in many countries but everywhere, the response is inadequate. Pitiful, really.

The media is in the prime position to do some good for society. But does it? No. Isn’t there any money in supporting women’s lives? Are articles intended to stem male violence less newsworthy than gossip and porn?

Talk to men about it and what is the common response? Oh, yes it’s awful. But I am not like that. And did you know that women are violent to men too?

What might be a preferable response? Oh yes it’s awful. Sometimes, I wonder if my friends or colleagues are guilty. The odds are that someone I know is violent to women.

Last year in Australia, fifty-seven women were killed as a result of male violence. This year, we are on track once again for the same or a higher number. There has been lots of talk but where’s the action? What has been the result of all this dialogue?

Oh yes, the public information campaigns.

How does the creation of a poster change a man’s mind not to coerce and control his spouse? How many posters would one need? Should all public places be pasted over with posters telling men not to be violent towards women? Will that stop them?