police . Or perhaps , don ’ t worry Delphie , you had a change of heart and believed the police would listen to you this time . They didn ’ t silence you by saying , ‘ it ’ s your word against his ’.
These things didn ’ t happen .
As I write , women are subject to violence . As I write , I fear to think about the strangers , sisters , daughters , girlfriends and wives who are at the brunt of male rage . England were recently knocked out of the Qatar World Cup and I suggest you watch the incredibly powerful Women ’ s Aid ad campaign fighting domestic abuse if you haven ’ t already . Moments like this remind me that there is no one form of violence , that it is so deep rooted within our society , and sadly , that makes me cynical when looking for a ‘ solution ’.
I do think that a key takeaway for a survivor wanting to share their story , or an activist aiming to raise awareness , is to address men . We are teaching women to either cower or protect themselves from male violence , but why aren ’ t we teaching men to stop being violent in the first place ?
And so now I address my younger self .
Don ’ t worry Delphie , ‘ boys will be boys ’ doesn ’ t justify that little boy in nursey who expressed his anger through punches and kicks . Don ’ t worry Delphie , that little boy hitting you ‘ because he likes you ’, isn ’ t justifiable , and only validates early signs of male aggression .