Violent crime against women has reached critical levels in the UK, with
police receiving an average of 100 calls per hour from women experiencing
various forms of violence. This staggering statistic sheds light on a
troubling reality: violence against women is not only widespread but often
underreported, making these figures just the tip of the iceberg. It is a
crisis that demands immediate and sustained attention.
The Government’s Response
In response to the growing violence, the UK government has recently
appointed Jessica Rose Phillips as the first dedicated Parliamentary Under-
Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls.
A Member of Parliament for Birmingham Yardley since 2015, Phillips has
been vocal about her commitment to tackling this issue head-on. Known for
her no-nonsense approach, she is poised to make real progress.
One of Phillips’ first major initiatives is to integrate specially trained
advisors into police call centers across the UK. These advisors will be
dedicated to handling cases of violence against women, providing expert
guidance to victims and ensuring that the police response is timely,
sensitive, and effective. This move represents a critical step toward
making the system more supportive for women suffering from domestic
violence, which, in most cases, comes at the hands of a husband or
partner.
Why Do Men Commit Acts of Violence Against Women?
Understanding the root causes of such violence is complex. Many of the
men who commit these violent acts likely grew up in homes where they
had caring mothers, which makes it difficult to reconcile their actions with
their upbringing. The issue, however, is deeply tied to societal norms,
expectations, and a lack of early education around respect and healthy
relationships.
In some cases, violent tendencies may stem from learned behavior. If a boy
grows up witnessing violence, particularly within the home, he may come
to believe that this is an acceptable way to resolve conflict or express
emotions. Others may commit violence due to feelings of insecurity, loss of
control, or a misguided need to assert dominance. The reasons are varied,
but the common denominator is a failure to instill from an early age that
violence is never the answer.
The Importance of Early Education
This brings us to a crucial point: the role of education in preventing
violence against women. Children are incredibly impressionable, and the
behaviors they observe and internalize during their formative years can
shape how they interact with others for the rest of their lives. For children
who witness violence at home, whether verbal or physical, this can have
profound effects. If they see violence go unchecked or unresolved, they
may assume that such behavior is normal, or worse, acceptable.
Educating children about respect, empathy, and healthy relationships can
play a pivotal role in preventing future violence. If we teach them that
violence is not only wrong but deeply harmful, they are far less likely to
grow up repeating these cycles. This is why creating educational content
aimed at young audiences is so essential. We have the chance to shape
their understanding of right and wrong before negative behaviors take
root.
Should I Create an Educational Video?
As a content creator and educator, I run a website called Discover Life
Skills, a free resource for parents and teachers where I write and produce
interactive videos on various topics. In light of this crisis, I’ve been
considering developing an educational video aimed at children, explaining
why violence against women is unacceptable and why it’s important to
treat others with respect and kindness.
The video would serve as a tool for teachers and parents to discuss this
sensitive but vital subject. It would emphasize the long-term damage that
violence can cause in relationships and the harm it brings to children who
witness it. By fostering a culture of understanding, we may be able to
reduce the number of calls to police and help ensure a safer future for the
next generation.
This type of educational material could be particularly useful in schools,
where children are already learning about social interactions and
developing their sense of morality. Through age-appropriate content, we
could empower kids to recognize and reject violent behavior, whether it
happens at home, in their communities, or later in their own relationships.
But I need your input. Would you find a video like this helpful for schools
and parents? Could it make a difference in educating children about the
importance of non-violence? Please leave a comment and let me know your
thoughts.
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Addressing violence against women requires a multifaceted approach.
While law enforcement and government initiatives are critical, education
and community involvement are equally important. We need to foster a
cultural shift where violence is not tolerated, and respect for others is
prioritized. This is not something that can happen overnight, but with
sustained effort, we can make progress.
It is clear that the 100 calls per hour to police are a symptom of a much
larger problem. Many women still suffer in silence, fearing the
repercussions of reporting violence, whether due to fear of retaliation,
shame, or the belief that nothing will change. By offering better support
systems through initiatives like the dedicated advisors in police call centers
and by educating future generations, we can begin to break this cycle.
Let’s work together to make sure children learn that violence is never
acceptable, especially not towards women. Education, awareness, and
community action can help reduce these distressing numbers and create a
future where respect, safety, and equality are the norm.
Your Voice Matters
What do you think about creating an educational video on this topic? Would
it be helpful in spreading awareness and teaching children the right values?
Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments. Your
feedback can help shape the resources we develop to fight this issue and
protect future generations from violence.