When people talk about violence against women, they almost always talk to women: telling them to recognise the signs, to ask for help, to leave. Far more rarely do they talk to men, who are the ones who should be taught not to commit it.
This article is for them. It's not an accusation: it's an invitation.
What isn't strength
Many behaviours that were once considered normal are now recognised for what they are: forms of violence.
- Raising your voice to get respect.
- Controlling your partner out of jealousy.
- Making belittling jokes.
- Deciding for her, “for her own good”.
None of this is strength.
What is
Real strength is having the courage to change, to apologise, to build healthy relationships. It's listening, even when you don't like what you hear. It's not looking the other way when a friend goes too far.
I didn't just stand there watching. I didn't think: someone else will stop him.
Being better men isn't an accusation. It's an invitation, and it concerns everyone.
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