A few years ago we picketed these events because they excluded recognition of male victims of domestic violence.
We would often be booed, called women haters, and given baffled looks, if not looks of disgust and hate. But in those days we were the ones primarily concerned about ending domestic violence for everyone, not just women– or, men.
NCFM members protesting at 2008 San Diego domestic violence event
Back then, silhouettes, like those above, were only of females murdered by their partner. Now, in the picture above two of the five silhouettes represent male victims murdered by their partner. Or, we’ve come a long way from Kansas Toto.
(left) Dr. Dawn Griffith, San Diego Domestic Violence Council President
Thanks largely to the good work of opened minded people like Dr. Dawn Griffith , President of the San Diego Domestic Violence Council ; Kent Peters, Director of Catholic Social Ministries, and Chesley Blevins of the County Office of Crime Prevention, the domestic violence industry in San Diego is much more aware of male victims. Hence the inclusion of the silhouettes of murdered men.
Event “Terms and Conditions” included a non discrimination clause prohibiting vendors and exhibitors from displaying or circulating information that implied or stated services provided would be restricted based on sex. The majority of people who visited our booth were from various service providers, virtually all of who were happy to see us and concerned about the absence of services for male victims in the county, including in the military. So, even though there is a heightened awareness of male victimology in San Diego there still exists a dearth of related services. Interestingly, two days later I took a call from a male victim who received some legal assistance from the YWCA!
NCFM booth with Joe Naldowski waiting for the event to begin. In the background is the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program booth.
NCFM member Joe Naldowski is our San Diego Domestic Violence Council Representative. He was instrumental to NCFM participating in this event. Thank you Joe!
I’m very pleased to note that NCFM’s work in San Diego largely contributed to the local domestic violence industry’s raised awareness and recognition of the plight of abused men.
Check in area for Hope in the Park domestic violence prevention event.
It's nice to see a growing recognition by the SDDVC of the fact that women batter men too. But whatever happened to all those radical feminists, whose eyes would bug out like a gecko's upon seeing some of the signs we brought calling attention to male victims of domestic violence and domestic violence law? Have they seen the light, or just sulked off to practice their misandry elsewhere?
Ray,
The radical feminists are still out there even in San Diego. I can only speak for SD but it appears we are gaining converts and reason is overcoming anger.
AWESOME JOB NCFM!!!