Domestic abuse stigmas should be challenged

Last Thursday, Students Educating and Empowering for Diversity (SEED) organized a presentation on the portrayal of domestic violence in the media and its direct effects on public opinion. Following a candid video screening, coordinators moderated an interactive discussion meant to elucidate the extent to which traditional gender roles bias the way that we perceive domestic violence. Inspired by the recent uproar in the news surrounding the altercation between ex-Raven Ray Rice and his then-fiancée Janay Palmer, the event illustrated the adverse influence that news broadcasts and publications often have on their mass audiences by propagating unjustified criticism and misinterpretation of issues involving domestic abuse.

The Editorial Board commends SEED for proactively addressing such pervasive popular misconceptions, first that domestic abuse only applies to female victims of male maltreatment and also that the media provides a comprehensive depiction of such situations. Domestic violence can only be countered when people realize that males, despite stereotypical characteristics of dominance and strength, can and do suffer from abuse as well. In fact, approximately 40 percent of domestic violence victims are men. By starting a conversation that challenges cultural norms, SEED is generating much-needed dialogue in the Hopkins community, and furthering the campus-wide campaign against sexual assault.

The Editorial Board condemns the social stigmas currently associated with male victims of assault and also the seemingly widespread acceptance of female aggression against men in society. News outlets must convey the multifaceted nature of domestic violence. Amidst an inextricable web of unique motives, pressures and circumstances, domestic abuse assumes various forms — physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, financial and sexual — and can affect every type of relationship, from parental to romantic. The Editorial Board praises the admirable efforts of SEED and all of the participants who took the initiative to question common perceptions of domestic violence, because extensive ignorance and indifference to this issue endangers the well-being of many.

The Editorial Board hopes that those who attended the event will reflect upon the complexities involved in a case of domestic abuse, especially when learning of related controversies through media outlets, and spread this information to others. We can only achieve tangible progress in the fight against domestic violence if people truly understand its scope. The Editorial Board endorses SEED’s approach to raising awareness for an issue that affects millions around the world.