I don't know much about statistics in this area, but I do know a few cops, and they tell me consistently, that 90% of their job involves domestic violence related calls.

These guys don't work out west either.

I think that's pretty disturbing, and maybe not a "feminist myth".

Anybody who has ever committed a crime has attempted to justify or mitigate their actions by pointing out another's. We all want the freedom, but we all don't want the responsibility of maintaining those freedoms, nor are we all capable of leading, nor are we all capable of realizing the nature of our actions. There are those who stand on their own two feet, and there are those who find comfort in the mob, followers.

but I do know a few cops, and they tell me consistently, that 90% of their job involves domestic violence related calls.

Posted by Stomont, Tuesday, 31 October 2006 9:48:01 PM

I also know a few cops and they say that women are just as likely to be the perpetrator. Except the blokes on the receiving end, will not press charges.

If you don't believe just ask them.

Re police assistance and intervention in domestic violence situations:

As a male I am aware of the 'Australia says No' campaign, but I have also been offered the assistance of the local Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer, to assist me with the violence carried out against me by my wife.

I have nothing but good to say about the constabulary. They have been helpful, when faced with difficult situations, but they are hampered by a system that forces them to treat men and women differently.

Firstly, if I had acted as my wife has acted I would have had several AVOs put in place to try to prevent further violence, but as one police officer told me, no magistrate is going to put an AVO in place against a 'sick woman'. My wife suffers from a Personality Disorder, exacerbated by alcohol consumption: when the police remove her from our home, or car in some instances (10 times at last count) for my safety or to prevent her from self harm, she is taken to a hospital.

If I had the same disorder and acted in the same way, I would be taken into custody and most likely charged.

Can anyone else here see a double standard?

Another aspect is the nature of violence. Men being physically stronger are more likely to use their hands. Women however are much more likely to use a weapon. Women also can use 'violence' that doesn't usually count as violence. My wife's "speciality", because she doesn't work, is to deliberately keep me awake through the night by talking/ranting/shouting. But in most instances sleep deprivation is not considered a form of violence. I cannot imagine anyone being charged with that offence, but its effect is as real as a hit or a slap.

We have to recognise that there is no acceptable level of violence in domestic situations from either gender.

Well put arguement Hamlet. You have neatly summarised the problems at the other end of the spectrum, without launching into a rant against women. There is hope for us all yet!

I agree that there is a problem when a system treats perpetrators differently based on their sex. Perhaps in some cases there should be more sympathy and empathy demonstrated towards perpetrators where an underlying condition is fuelling their problems. Its a tough situation though.

I dont agree though that sleep deprivation is domestic violence though. Abuse, yes. I can appreciate the consequences, as would most people with children especially those that have had colicky babies. How you control this though is a very difficult question. How do you measure it, record it, punish it? Not sure that it is a matter for criminal intervention?? I'm open to correction though.

Country Girl said, "You have neatly summarised the problems at the other end of the spectrum, without launching into a rant against women. There is hope for us all yet!"

Maybe you should upbraid the author for the rant against men and that can be seen from the title alone, viz., "Male myths are hard to kill".

I think what respondents are trying to pint out is that such myths do not apply to men alone and a balanced, holistic approach is needed. Otherwise it is seen as gender bashing.

Mind you, for forty years gender bashing has been a good way to lever into government funds and for some it is bread on the table.