Yes Pelican, I agree that the general increase in violence in our society should not be considered a gender issue, but a societal issue.
I am pleased to see everyone agrees so far.

All violence is dreadful, and violence should be tackled as a whole, instead of this constant bickering and finger pointing from both genders.

So, if both patriarchy and matriarchy can be obliterated from our language, then all would be well.
I think we have a fair way to go on that concept yet though...

Suse,
Domestic violence is not a gendered issue, women and men abuse with the same frequency, women are more likely to initiate violence against a domestic partner but due to sexual dimorphism they often come of second best in confrontations with men.
With regard to violence more generally it's men and boys who are overwhelmingly the victims of violent crime and homicide, in war men make up over 80% of the casualties, sometimes as in WWI it's near 100%.
You know this is the truth of the matter but you still stick to old fashioned ideas like gender theory, why?

Well said, Pelican.

pelican, "There is more violence overall in our communities and an increase in street violence"

Is that an increase in violence, or an increase in reporting of violence (combined with some broadening of definitions, sometines the legal definitions as well)?

Also consider the effect of media sensationalism and preoccupation with certain crimes on the public's perception of the type and frequency of violent offences. To give an example, the public probably believes that firearms offences are common. But they are not. They are uncommon and have been trending down in Australia long before Howard's 'buy back' for example. On the other hand, home burglaries have been on the increase and what is worrying is that the clearance rate is low. By clearance rate I mean arrest of offenders.

Regarding violence, emphasis on gender only complicates and splits the available research and other resources.

I generally agree with the sentiments you expresed earlier.

Suseonline, thanks for all your posts here on this topic. You clearly have a balanced viewpoint, and you express it without personal abuse and defensive aggression. Keep up the good work please.

Thanks PJack : )
I am a glutton for punishment I think....